Surface-Functionalized and Surface-Functionalizable Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Membranes via Controlled/Living Radical Polymerization and Click Chemistry

Preparation of multifunctional and well-structured polymer substrates (membranes) requires a selection of the most suitable controlled/living radical polymerization (CRP) techniques in combination with appropriate click reactions. This article describes some recent research activities on poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) copolymer membranes. The synthesis strategies of PVDF membranes with functionalized and functionalizable surfaces via CRP techniques and click chemistry are described in detail. The robust and versatile CRP techniques and click chemistry have allowed the design and production of copolymers of well-defined architectures, such as telechelic, block and graft copolymers, via the "grafting from" and "grafting to" approaches. These technologies are particularly suited for the preparation of functional polymer membranes with stimuli-responsive, antifouling, antimicrobial and ion exchange surface properties. The combination of CRP techniques and click chemistry can be regarded as a revolutionary approach to the preparation of a new generation of precisely tailored specialty PVDF and related copolymer membranes.