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Dual-responsive polymers synthesized via RAFT polymerization for controlled demulsification and desorption

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Abstract

Intelligent polymers responsive to the environment have aroused widespread interest in many applications of materials and interfaces. However, sensitive control of the oil-water interface remains a major challenge, using reversible self-assembly of macromolecules induced by external stimuli. Here, we synthesized a new amphiphilic triblock copolymer responsive to pH and UV light via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) aqueous polymerization. Poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) acts as the hydrophilic block; poly(N, N-dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) and poly(methacrylamide azobenzene) (PMAAAB) are the hydrophobic blocks with responsiveness. The as-synthesized polymer was measured regarding UV–vis transmittance and contact angle to verify the tunable amphiphilicity and wettability by the double stimulation. The newly developed dual-responsive polymer was applied for oil/water separation and controlled dye release, where methylene red (MR) was chosen as the representative adsorbate. With the synergic stimulation of pH and UV light, efficient separation for oil-in-water emulsions (separation efficiency: 66.8% in 15 min) and excellent desorption for adsorbed dyes (desorption efficiency: 93.8% in 15 min) are achieved.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the National Key Research and Development Project under Grant No. (2018YFA0702400).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tian** University, Tian**, 300350, China

    Hao Ma

  2. School of Mining and Petroleum Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 1H9, Canada

    Hao Ma & Alexandre Cameron

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  1. Hao Ma
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Correspondence to Hao Ma or Alexandre Cameron.

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Ma, H., Cameron, A. Dual-responsive polymers synthesized via RAFT polymerization for controlled demulsification and desorption. J Polym Res 30, 278 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10965-023-03642-5

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