2025-07-04 東京大学
ヘチマスポンジに似た超軽量だが強靭な多孔質ポリマー超薄膜
＜関連情報＞
- https://www.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/press/pr2025-07-04-002
- https://www.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/hubfs/press-release/2025/0704/002/text.pdf
- https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq0782
スポンジ状軽量網状膜の電気二重層合成 Electric double-layer synthesis of a spongelike, lightweight reticular membrane
Yoshimitsu Itoh, Tengfei Fu, Pier-Luc Champagne, Yudai Yokoyama, […] , and Takuzo Aida
Science Published:3 Jul 2025
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adq0782
Editor’s summary
Electropolymerization normally creates dense films. By contrast, Itoh et al. found that electropolymerization of deprotonated resorcinol and aldehydes in the absence of supporting electrolytes formed low-density, “loofah-like” ultrathin films. The reaction self-limits such that the monomers react only in the electrical double layer and the membrane releases when the bias is removed. Large-area membranes could be used for separations, and the films could be annealed to form carbon membranes. —Phil Szuromi
Abstract
Electrochemical polymer synthesis usually forms dense films bound to the electrode. We report a single-step synthesis of large-area, ultrathin (~70-nanometer) polymeric membranes with a luffa-like, reticular cross-linked network with low density (0.5 grams per cubic centimeter). This particular membrane forms within an electric double layer in water constructed by voltage application without supporting electrolytes—in which deprotonated resorcinol and an aldehyde react three-dimensionally with a self-termination mechanism—and is spontaneously released when the voltage bias is removed. Initially rigid with a Young’s modulus of 8.9 gigapascals, this membrane reversibly regains flexibility (0.5 gigapascals) upon wetting and can be used as a large-area membrane for separations. Its shape-persistent carbonization made it possible to yield ultrathin (~22-nanometer) nanoporous carbon membranes.
