Nanoporous β-PVDF membranes with selectively functionalized pores

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (P-PVDF) nanoporous membranes are obtained by heavy ion irradiation and track etching leading to cylindrical pores. Pores diameter measured by scanning electron microscopy and small angle neutron scattering lies in the 20-50 nm range. Electron paramagnetic resonance study gives evidence that radicals still remains in PVDF membrane after track-etching. These radicals allows acrylic acid polymerization to be initiated onto membrane. Radiografted and functionalized membranes are characterized using infrared spectroscopy and weighing. Finally, radiografted poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) has been selectively labeled by fluorophores and imaged by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Images show the localisation of PAA specifically inside nanopores. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.