Graphene-directed supramolecular assembly of multifunctional polymer hydrogel membranes

Abstract

Polymer-based nanoporous hydrogel membranes hold great potential for a range of applications including molecular fi ltration/separation, controlled drug release, and as sensors and actuators. However, to be of practical utility, polymer membranes generally need to be fabricated as ultrathin yet mechanically robust, have a large-area yet be defect-free and in some cases, their structure needs the capability to adapt to certain stimuli. These stringent and sometimes self-confl icting requirements make it very challenging to manufacture such bulk nanostructures in a controllable, scalable and costeffective manner. Here, a versatile approach to the fabrication of multifunctional polymer-based hy..