Aqueous phase separation technology

Polymeric membranes are ubiquitous in numerous applications, including kidney dialysis, water treatment, gas separation, energy generation, and storage. It is ironic that the membranes typically used to provide sustainable solutions are themselves produced using reprotoxic organic solvents. The unsustainability of such solvents has led to the development of greener alternatives, out of which, aqueous phase separation (APS) is especially promising. Membranes with tunable properties are prepared in a completely aqueous approach without using organic solvents. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art regarding APS membranes, demonstrating a great deal of versatility in terms of properties and performance.