Abstract Polymer inclusion membrane (PIM) has been progressively utilised in various chemical engineering applications. Understanding the interfacial interactions between PIM surface and surrounding solutions is significantly important for the industrial application of PIM systems. In this work, interfacial behavior of the PIM was studied during Zn(II) extraction process. The real-time change of the PIM under various environmental conditions was monitored by Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring. Water penetration into the PIM layer was demonstrated when the PIM was in contact with Milli-Q water. Atomic force microscopy imaging confirmed that the swollen PIM had a looser network and rougher surface, as compared to its original state. When switching the surrounding environment to ZnSO4 solution, higher Zn(II) concentration could induce microstructure change and more significant membrane swelling in the PIM layer. Our results provide valuable implications for the design of effective PIM systems towards practical applications in wastewater treatment and hydrometallurgy.

中文翻译：

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对锌 (II) 提取过程中聚合物包裹膜 (PIM) 的界面行为和溶胀的新见解

摘要 聚合物包合膜 (PIM) 已逐渐用于各种化学工程应用。了解 PIM 表面与周围溶液之间的界面相互作用对于 PIM 系统的工业应用非常重要。在这项工作中，研究了 PIM 在 Zn(II) 提取过程中的界面行为。不同环境条件下PIM的实时变化由石英晶体微天平和耗散监测进行监测。当 PIM 与 Milli-Q 水接触时，水渗透到 PIM 层中。原子力显微镜成像证实，与原始状态相比，膨胀的 PIM 具有更松散的网络和更粗糙的表面。当将周围环境切换到 ZnSO4 溶液时，较高的 Zn(II) 浓度可引起 PIM 层的微观结构变化和更显着的膜膨胀。我们的结果为设计有效的 PIM 系统在废水处理和湿法冶金中的实际应用提供了有价值的意义。