Higly efficient separation tools are increasingly required for satisfying the necessity of the modern society. In this context, for achieving optimized separation and purification of targeted compounds, the typical features of the imprinting technology and membrane science for developing the so-called imprinted membranes have been exploited. Imprinted membranes are smart systems endowing selective recognition properties towards specific molecules and ions that exhibit better performance with respect to the traditional separation techniques. The aim of this monography is to give a contribution in promoting the knowlegde on the current research trend about this topic. Starting from the concept of the molecular recognition the book introduces the reader to the fascinating world of the imprinting technology and membrane-based processes up to discussing the development of imprinted polymers as well as imprinted membranes, which represent their special format. The different imprinting strategies as well as the theory and mechanisms of the separation are also explained. Furthermore, the application of molecularly imprinted polymeric membranes in different areas for the selective recognition of drugs, active pharmaceutical ingredients, pesticides, other toxic compounds and proteins is discussed. The attention is also devoted to their employment in enantiomeric separation, sensors technology and controlled drug delivery. Finally, the production and application of ion imprinted membranes in the separation of metal ions, rare earth element and anions and the role of cyclodextrins in the imprinting technology are discussed.

Surface Engineering of Polymer Membranes covers the processes that modify membrane surfaces to improve their in-service performance, meaning, to confer surface properties which are different from the bulk properties. Purposes may be to minimize fouling, modulate hydrophilicity/ hydrophobicity, enhance biocompatibility, create diffusion barriers, provide functionalities, mimic biomembranes, fabricate nanostructures, etc. First, the basics of surface engineering of polymer membranes are covered. Then topics such as surface modification by graft polymerization and macromolecule immobilization, biomimetic surfaces, enzyme immobilization, molecular recognition, and nanostructured surfaces are discussed. This book provides a unique synthesis of the knowledge of the role of surface chemistry and physics in membrane science. Dr. Zhikang Xu of the Institute of Polymer Science of Zhejiang University has eight Chinese patents and in 2006 was honored as a Distinguished Young Scholar by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NNSFC).

Molecular Imprinted Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Characterisation and Applications covers the design of composite materials containing nanostructures and molecular imprinted polymers that has materialized the ever-sought out vision of homogeneous molecular imprinted polymers. The inherent high surface-to-volume ratio of nanostructures has served well in increasing the surface area of conventional bulk polymers. In recent decades, molecularly imprinted polymer nanocomposite materials have attracted much attention for their potential applications in the fields of separation science, sensing, drug delivery, waste water treatment and catalysis, hence this book provides a much needed update on progress. Includes information on molecular imprinted polymer composites and their potential for commercialization Discusses their synthesis, characterization and applications Analyzes the effect of incorporation of different nanostructures on the thermodynamic, kinetic and adsorption behavior of imprinted sorbents

Stimuli Responsive Polymeric Membranes: Smart Polymeric Membranes explains the fundamentals and advances in topics relating to the field of membrane science. It elaborately explains concepts relating to stimuli responsive membranes, with special importance given down to minute details. Material selection, preparation, characterization and applications of various stimuli responsive membranes are extensively addressed, and their relevance (including examples) is included. The book covers history and development, merits and demerits, mechanisms of transport and fouling, applicability of membranes to various diverse areas, and preparation and characterization techniques of membranes. Next, the concept of fouling and its remedial actions is discussed. Finally, promising fields of research in the membrane science and future perspectives of membrane science field are explored. Provides basic and advanced knowledge of smart membranes, considering their morphological, physicochemical and separation characteristics Written in a clear and lucid style, keeping a diverse audience in mind Based on the state-of-art research of the authors

Nanomaterial and Polymer Membranes: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications presents a unique collection of up-to-date polymeric nanomaterial membranes. The book offers a perfect source to document state-of-the-art developments and innovations in nanocomposite membranes, ranging from materials development and characterization of properties to membrane applications. The book discusses applications that encompass the enhancement of sorption and degradation processes and their usage for the removal of different pollutants, including heavy metals, dyes, pesticides, and other organic and inorganic pollutants from the industry. Presents a powerful single source for the development of new, rapid, and highly efficient membrane composites Offers a perfect source to document state-of-the-art developments and innovations in nanocomposite membranes, ranging from materials development and characterization of properties to membrane applications Covers applications in membrane science, water treatment, and the removal of pollutants from waste water Provides theoretical and practical information about the synthesis and application of polymeric nanocomposite membranes Includes instructor support material available at textbooks.elsevier.com

As a key area of chemistry, improving the greenness of analytical techniques is of great interest to researchers. The last decade has seen some significant developments in this area, including the use of new smart materials as analytical tools. Covering topics including solvent selection, miniaturization and metrics for the evaluation of "greenness" this book will be of use to researchers, both in academia and in industry, interested in integrating safer and more sustainable analytical techniques into their work.