ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the emerging and promising field of molecularly imprinted membranes (MIM). The focus is on solid membranes and the separation of molecules, predominately in liquid mixtures. In the first part, fundamentals of syn thetic membranes and membrane separation technology are summarized, emphasizing that innovative principles for the preparation of membranes with improved or novel functionality via optimized membrane morphologies and functions include self-assembly or supramolecular aggregation as well as the use of templates. In the second part, MIM are oudined, starting with the main currendy used preparation methods: simultaneous membrane formation and im printing, and preparation of composite membranes. Then, the separation function of MIM is discussed for two different types as a function of their barrier structure. Microporous MIM can continuosly separate molecules based on facilitated diffusion of the template, or they can change their permeability in the presence of the template (“gate effect”). Macroporous MIM can be developed towards molecule-specific membrane adsorbers. Finally, the application potential for advanced MIM separation technologies is briefly evaluated.
