Gas‐Responsive Smart Membrane Separation

Abstract Membrane separation technology is one of the most important techniques in modern separation science. To understand the self‐regulation mechanisms of cell membranes and mimic their working principles, a plethora of artificial membranes with responsive abilities to external stimuli have been engineered and prepared, whose smart sieving functions continue to attract attention and are applied in various fields. Among all the known stimuli, gas as a new trigger mode exhibits certain biocompatibility and offer irreplaceable advantages compared to other stimuli, such as cleanliness, ease‐of‐handling, and nondestructive, which make gas‐responsive membranes as one of the most promising, smart separation materials. In this review, we summarize recent breakthroughs in the development of gas‐responsive membranes, outline the novel strategies on membrane fabrication, and highlight their advanced applications in controlled cargo release, size‐/charge‐based substance separation, oil‐water separation, and self‐cleaning. We also outlook the perspectives on the potential research directions and opportunities in the future.