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MDPI, Polymers, 1(15), p. 45, 2022

DOI: 10.3390/polym15010045

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Periodic Self-Assembly of Poly(ethyleneimine)–poly(4-styrenesulfonate) Complex Coacervate Membranes

This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Coacervation is a self-assembly strategy based on the complexation of polyelectrolytes, which is utilized in biomedicine and agriculture, as well as automotive and textile industries. In this paper, we developed a new approach to the on-demand periodic formation of polyelectrolyte complexes through a Liesegang-type hierarchical organization. Adjustment of reaction conditions allows us to assemble materials with a tunable spatiotemporal geometry and establish materials’ production cycles with a regulated periodicity. The proposed methodology allows the membrane to self-assemble when striving to reach balance and self-heal after exposure to external stimuli, such as potential difference and high pH. Using chronopotentiometry, K+ ion permeability behavior of the PEI–PSS coacervate membranes was demonstrated. The periodically self-assembled polyelectrolyte nanomembranes could further be integrated into novel energy storage devices and intelligent biocompatible membranes for bionics, soft nanorobotics, biosensing, and biocomputing.