Preparation of Polyacrylonitrile Membranes by Vapor Induced Phase Separation

The porous membranes made of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were developed by vapor induced phase separation (VIPS) technique. The effect of vapor exposure time on membrane permeability and a porous structure was investigated. All membranes exposed in water vapors have a sponge-like structure in contrast to the finger-like structure of PAN membrane obtained by non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The obtained membranes demonstrated water permeance up to 405 kg/m 2 •h•bar and the retention of Blue Dextran (MW 70 kDa) on the level of 52-83%.