Publications

Naoki Ousaka, Ryo Tomeba, Shigenori Fujikawa

Freestanding, Self-Healing CO₂ Separation Nanomembranes Based on PEG-Linked α-Lipoate Networks

ACS Appl. Polym. Mater. 2026, ASAP Article

Detailed description

We have developed ultra-thin, self-healing polymer membranes for efficient carbon dioxide (CO₂) separation, offering a promising route toward more energy-efficient CO₂ capture technologies. The membranes are based on flexible polyethylene oxide (PEO/PEG) segments combined with dynamic disulfide bonds, which together provide high gas permeability and intrinsic self-healing ability.

By tuning the cross-linking density of the polymer network and reducing the membrane thickness to the nanoscale, we achieved very high CO₂ transport rates while maintaining strong selectivity over nitrogen. The presence of PEO chains enhances CO₂ affinity and molecular mobility, while reversible disulfide bonds enable the membranes to autonomously repair damage at mild temperatures.

Overall, this work demonstrates how combining CO₂-philic PEO segments with dynamic covalent disulfide chemistry can yield high-performance, durable, and self-healing membranes, paving the way for longer-lasting and more sustainable gas separation technologies.

Schematic representation of the formation and function of the self-healing CO₂ separation nanomembrane. PEG-linked disulfide-containing monomers are cross-linked to form a dynamic polymer network that preferentially transports CO₂ over N₂. Reversible disulfide bonds enable autonomous self-healing of the membrane after damage.