Temperature- and pH-responsive membranes based on poly (vinylidene fluoride) functionalized with microgels

Antifouling and sensitive-separation are two challenges for modifying poly (vinylidene fluoride) membrane. For the first time, we have reported a temperature- and pH-sensitive membrane with improved antifouling property. The membrane was prepared by phase separation of blends of poly (vinylidene fluoride)/poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels/DMF in water. The hydrophilic poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels are largely distributed in membrane bulk. Increasing poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels helps to produce more pores and improve surface hydrophilicity of the PVDF membrane. Importantly, the membrane can separate solutes with little size difference by changing the temperature or pH condition; meanwhile, it shows a good fouling resistance for bovine serum albumin in response to temperature or pH change.