Impact of molecular interactions on solvent dynamics in polymer membranes

Despite years of intense research on transport of water and other solvents through polymer membranes, the physical phenomena that control transport through these membranes are not yet fully understood, particularly at the molecular level. This lack of understanding largely comes from the complex structure of polymer membranes and the subtle interplay of intermolecular interactions between the membrane material and the solvent molecules.

In this lecture, we will review a number of recent molecular simulation results that shed light on the impact of molecular interactions on solvent dynamics in polymer membranes relevant for organic solvent nanofiltration or water treatment and desalination.