Asymmetric membranes based on fullerene-containing polyphenylene oxide

Fullerene-containing polyphenylene oxide (C-60-PPO) asymmetric membranes were prepared by phase inversion technique and compared with PPO asymmetric membranes. To study membrane morphology, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used. Scanning electron microscopy made it possible to resolve the structure of skin surface and cross-section and also to estimate membrane porosity and pore size. For dynamic characterization, the membranes were tested for permeability and rejection of seven proteins with different molecular weights in in aqueous Solution. It was established that fullerene as a component of the C-60-PPO mixed matrix polymer system profoundly affects the porous structure formation and the membrane properties.