Abstract: Disclosed are membranes formed from self-assembling block copolymers, for example, a diblock copolymer of the formula (I): wherein R1—R4, n, and m are as described herein, which find use in preparing nanoporous membranes. Embodiments of the membranes contain the block copolymer that self-assembles into a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such membrane which involves spray coating a polymer solution containing the diblock copolymer to obtain a thin film, followed by annealing the thin film in a solvent vapor and/or soaking in a solvent or mixture of solvents to form a nanoporous membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed are membranes formed from self-assembling diblock copolymers of the formula (I): wherein R1-R4, n, and m are as described herein, which find use in preparing porous membranes. Embodiments of the membranes contain the diblock copolymer self-assembled into a cylindrical morphology. Also disclosed is a method of preparing such membrane which involves spray coating a polymer solution containing the diblock copolymer to obtain a thin film, followed by annealing the thin film in a solvent vapor and/or soaking in a solvent or mixture of solvents to form a nanoporous membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charged hollow fiber membrane having hexagonal voids for use in high throughput applications. The membrane includes: (i) an inner surface; (ii) an outer surface; (iii) a porous bulk disposed therebetween, wherein the porous bulk comprises at least a first region including: a) a first set of pores having a controlled pore size and having outer rims; b) a second set of pores connecting the outer rims of the first set of pores, wherein the pore size of the first set of pores is greater than the pore size of the second set of pores; and c) a polymer matrix supporting the first set of pores; and (iv) at least one charged zone disposed on the inner surface, on the outer surface, and/or in the porous bulk hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hollow fiber membrane having hexagonal voids, suitable for use in high throughput filtration applications. Thus, the membrane includes (i) an inner surface; (ii) an outer surface; and (iii) a porous bulk disposed therebetween, wherein the porous bulk comprises at least a first region including: a) a first set of pores having a first controlled pore size and having outer rims; b) a second set of pores connecting the outer rims of the first set of pores, wherein the pore size of the first set of pores is greater than the pore size of the second set of pores; and c) a polymer matrix supporting the first set of pores. Also disclosed is a method for preparing such hollow fiber membranes, which involves coating a filament with a coating composition that includes a membrane-forming polymer and dissolvable nanoparticles, followed by phase invention, and dissolving of the nanoparticles. The filament is removed to obtain the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: Microporous membranes comprising a single integral layer having first and second microporous surfaces; and, a porous bulk between the microporous surfaces, wherein the bulk comprises at least a first region and a second region; the first region comprising a first set of pores having outer rims, prepared by removing introduced silica dissolvable nanoparticles, the first set of pores having a first controlled pore size, and a second set of pores connecting the outer rims, the second set of pores having a second controlled pore size, and a polymer matrix supporting the first set of pores, wherein the first controlled pore size is greater than the second controlled pore size; the second region comprising a third set of pores prepared by phase inversion, the third set of pores having a third controlled pore size, filters including the membranes, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: Membranes comprising a single layer having a first microporous surface; a second microporous surface; and, a porous bulk between the first microporous surface and the second microporous surface, wherein the bulk comprises a first set of pores having outer rims, prepared by removing introduced dissolvable silica nanoparticles, the first set of pores having a first controlled pore size, and a second set of pores connecting the outer rims of the first set of pores, the second set of pores having a second controlled pore size, and a polymer matrix supporting the first set of pores, wherein the first controlled pore size is greater than the second controlled pore size, and wherein the first and/or second microporous surface comprises a neutrally charged, a negatively charged, or a positively charged, surface; filters including the membranes, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: Composite membranes comprising a layer having first and second microporous surfaces and a bulk between the surfaces, the bulk comprising a first set of pores having outer rims, and a second set of pores connecting the rims, and a polymer matrix supporting the first set of pores; and, a second layer having first and second porous surfaces and a second bulk between the porous surfaces, wherein the second bulk comprises a fibrous matrix; or, first and second microporous surfaces and a second bulk between the microporous surfaces, the second bulk comprising: a third set of pores having outer rims and a fourth set of pores connecting the rims, and a polymer matrix supporting the third set of pores; a third set of pores prepared by phase inversion; or, a fibrous matrix; or, a third set of pores prepared by stretching, track etching or e-beam, are disclosed.

Abstract: Membranes comprising continuous zones of negative, neutral, and positive charges in a single porous layer, as well as devices comprising the membranes, and methods of making the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: Porous PTFE membranes comprising a first porous surface and a second porous surface, and a bulk between the first porous surface and the second porous surface, wherein the membrane has a pore rating of from about 2 nanometers to about 50 nanometers, and the first and second porous surfaces each comprise a ratio of non-fused nodule area to fused nodule area of about 1 or greater, and methods of making and using the membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: Composites including porous PTFE membranes comprising an intermediate PTFE membrane having a pore rating of from about 2 nanometers to about 20 nanometers, interposed between, and bound to, porous fluoropolymer membranes having larger pore ratings, and methods of making and using the composites, are disclosed.

Abstract: Membranes including at least two sets of fibers having different average diameters, as well as methods of using and methods of making the membranes are disclosed.

Abstract: Porous membranes including a first microporous skin surface having a pore density of at least about 20 pores/50,000 ?m2, and a second porous surface, and a bulk between the surfaces, wherein the bulk has a pore density of at least about 120 pores/mm2, as well as methods of using and methods of making the membranes are disclosed.