Highly permeable and robust membranes assembled from block-copolymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes

The fabrication of homogenous integrated layers of assembled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on porous substrates for advanced membranes via vacuum filtration remains a significant challenge due to the aggregation of CNTs. Here we report the composite membranes with both high flux and good mechanical robustness produced from functionalized CNTs through direct coating with amphiphilic block copolymer. Chemically crosslinked CNT layers are tightly adhered to the substrate, rendering a strong mechanical stability to the composite membranes. The thickness of the separation layer as well as the permselectivity of the membranes can be readily tuned simply by changing the deposition amount of CNTs. The membranes with a moderate nanofiber coverage are capable of complete removal of 10-nm-particles while offer a remarkable pure water flux higher than 5.7×10³L/(m²hbar), suggesting their high efficiency in the purification of liquids contaminated by tiny colloids or particulates.