CTS-9423090 Charles Martin CO State Univ. Novel molecular - recognition membranes will be developed for use in separations. The composite membranes consist of an ultrathin film (less than 100 nm thick) of a chemical selective polymer deposited onto the surface of a microporous supported membrane. The selective film will be composed of a molecularly-imprinted polymer (MIP). MIPs are prepared via template polymerization that yields sites which selectively bind the print molecule. Ultrathin MIP films that are nanoporous rather than macroporous will be synthesized. The effects of synthesis conditions on the selectivity and rate of transport of the print solute will be determined. The research may lead to the development of nanofiltration membranes with high transport selectivity. The proposed membranes have potential applications in biochemical and petrochemical separations as well as sensor technology.
