Robust and Large-Area Calix[4]pyrrole-Based Nanofilms Enabled by Air/DMSO Interfacial Self-Assembly-Confined Synthesis
Jinglun Yang, Xiangquan Liu, Xiangquan Liu, Jiaqi Tang, Andra Dédinaité, Jianfei Liu, Rong Miao, Kaiqiang Liu, Junxia Peng, Per M. Claesson, Xiaoyan Liu, Xiaoyan Liu, Yu Fang
Abstract
The modular construction of defect-free nanofilms with a large area remains a challenge. Herein, we present a scalable strategy for the preparation of calix[4]pyrrole (C[4]P)-based nanofilms through acryl hydrazone reaction conducted in a tetrahydrazide calix[4]pyrrole (CPTH)-based self-assembled layer at the air/DMSO interface. With this strategy, robust, regenerable, and defect-free nanofilms with an exceptionally large area (∼750 cm2) were constructed. The thickness and permeability of the film systems can be fine-tuned by varying the precursor concentration or by changing another building block. A typical nanofilm (C[4]P-TFB, ∼67 nm) depicted high water flux (39.9 L m–2 h–1 under 1 M Na2SO4), narrow molecular weight cut-off value (∼200 Da), and promising antifouling properties in the forward osmosis (FO) process. In addition, the nanofilms are stable over a wide pH range and tolerable to different organic solvents. Interestingly, the introduction of C[4]P endowed the nanofilms with both outstanding mechanical properties and unique group-selective separation capability, laying the foundation for wastewater treatment and pharmaceutical concentration.