Preparation, characterization and application of zwitterionic polymers and membranes: current developments and perspective

Because of their unique pendant-side chain structures and excellent properties, zwitterionic polymers and membranes, especially zwitterionic hybrids, have attracted increasing interest in recent years. Presently, they can be potentially applied in such fields as nonlinear optical systems, ionic conduction, biomedical processing and chemical separation. In view of their significance to academia and industrial processes, this review gives a brief summary of current developments in the preparation, characterization and potential application of zwitterionic polymers and membranes. Novel approaches to prepare zwitterionic hybrids are highlighted. The present state and future perspective are also discussed. Hopefully, this review can promote the understanding of zwitterionic hybrid polymers and membranes. (C) 2009 Society of Chemical Industry