title: Robust Aqua Material: A Pressure-Resistant Self-Assembled Membrane for Water Purification.
abstract: "Aqua materials" that contain water as their major component and are as robust as conventional plastics are highly desirable. Yet, the ability of such systems to withstand harsh conditions, for example, high pressures typical of industrial applications has not been demonstrated. We show that a hydrogel-like membrane self-assembled from an aromatic amphiphile and colloidal Nafion is capable of purifying water from organic molecules, including pharmaceuticals, and heavy metals in a very wide range of concentrations. Remarkably, the membrane can sustain high pressures, retaining its function. The robustness and functionality of the water-based self-assembled array advances the idea that aqua materials can be very strong and suitable for demanding industrial applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
authors.forename: Erez
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.affiliation: Department of Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
authors.forename: Haim
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Weissman
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
authors.forename: Eyal
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Shimoni
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemical Research Support, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
authors.forename: Ifat
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kaplan-Ashiri
authors.affiliation: Department of Material Physics, Materials and Systems Research, BASF SE, 67056, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Werle
authors.affiliation: Department of Material Physics, Materials and Systems Research, BASF SE, 67056, Ludwigshafen, Germany.
authors.forename: Wendel
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Wohlleben
authors.affiliation: Department of Organic Chemistry, Weizmann Institute of Science, 234 Herzl Street, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel.
authors.forename: Boris
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Rybtchinski
keywords: hybrid materials; membranes; metals; porous materials; supramolecular materials