Temperature-responsive cellulose sponge with switchable pore size: Application as a water flow manipulator

Abstract In this study, cellulose nanofiber (CNF) sponges were successfully prepared and modified with temperature-responsive poly-(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The structure and properties of the obtained CNF-g-PNIPAM sponges were characterized with FTIR, SEM, TGA and compression tests. Water permeation experiments were carried out to investigate the temperature-sensitivity of the sponge, excellent water flow manipulation could be achieved. The CNF-g-PNIPAM sponge holds great potential in applications such as temperature-trigged microfluidic devices, water/oil separation and filtration.