Superacid-Catalyzed Polymerization: From Polymer Design to Membranes for Advanced Molecular and Ionic Separation

The growing need for membranes that combine high selectivity, high flux, and long-term chemical stability is accelerating the search for polymer platforms that can be engineered with molecular precision. Superacid-catalyzed polycondensation (SACP) has rapidly emerged as a powerful and versatile synthetic strategy for the production of advanced aromatic polymers with well-defined architectures and tailored rigidity, suited to address the stringent demands of advanced separation processes and energy conversion technologies. Its unique ability to perform metal-free, one-pot polymerizations at room temperature under mild conditions, while yielding high molecular weight polymers with exceptional mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability, has driven the rapid growth of tunable SACP-based membrane materials.Beyond academic research, these materials are increasingly being translated toward large-scale production and commercialization, particularly as anion exchange membranes for electrochemical energy systems. However, fully translating molecular design capabilities into state-of-the-art membranes for demanding separation and energy environments requires an integrated approach that links polymerization chemistry, membrane formation, advanced characterization, and mechanistic understanding of transport, durability, and aging phenomena.This Research Topic invites original research, comprehensive reviews, and forward-looking perspectives that clarify the path from superacid-enabled molecular design to next-generation aromatic polymer membranes. Contributions that bridge polymer synthesis with advanced spectroscopic, scattering, microscopic, and operando tools are especially encouraged. Studies addressing structure–property relationships, ionic conductivity, separation performance, plasticization, swelling, physical aging, fouling, and chemical or oxidative stability are of high interest, particularly when they establish actionable design principles for robust membrane performance.Key Areas of Interest:1. Superacid-Catalyzed Polymerization and Precision Polymer Architectureo Design of aromatic monomers and polymer backbones enabled by superacid catalysis, including structure control relevant to membrane performance (e.g., rigidity/contortion, intrinsic microporosity, and tailored free volume).o Mechanistic studies linking polymerization conditions to molecular weight, dispersity, chain microstructure, and functional group incorporation.o Post-polymerization modification, crosslinking, and stabilization strategies to improve resistance to plasticization, swelling, and aging.2. Membrane Formation, Structure, and Advanced Characterizationo Processing routes from aromatic polymers to high-performance membranes, including dense films, asymmetric membranes, thin-film composite layers, and composite/hybrid architectures.o Multiscale characterization of polymer packing, free-volume distribution, morphology, and interfaces (including in-situ/operando studies where relevant).o Structure–property relationships connecting chemical architecture and morphology to permeability/selectivity trade-offs, mechanical integrity, and durability.3. Advanced Separation and Energy Applicationso Gas and vapor separations under realistic and challenging conditions (e.g., CO2 capture, hydrogen purification, natural gas upgrading, organic vapor separation), including mixed-gas testing and long-term stability.o Liquid-phase separations where chemical robustness is critical (e.g., organic solvent nanofiltration, ion/solute separations, solvent/water mixtures, and harsh industrial streams).o Energy-relevant membrane roles, including separators and ion-conducting membranes for electrochemical systems (e.g., fuel cells, electrolyzers, flow batteries), with emphasis on stability and performance under operating conditions.o Bench-to-practice studies addressing scalability, reproducibility, and comparative evaluation of performance, stability, and sustainability.Alignment with Global Goals: By advancing durable membrane materials and design principles for efficient separations and energy technologies, this Research Topic supports progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9), and Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12).Researchers across polymer chemistry, membrane science, and separation/energy engineering are invited to contribute. Through the integration of superacid-catalyzed polymerization, precision molecular design, advanced characterization, and application-driven validation, this Research Topic aims to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation aromatic polymer membranes. Topic editors: Maria Ortencia Gonzalez-Díaz, Zolotukhin Mikhail, Enoc Cetina-Mancilla, Chulsung Bae Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/78893/superacid-catalyzed-polymerization-from-polymer-design-to-membranes-for-advanced-molecular-and-ionic-separation