Stimuli-responsive polymers and their applications in separation science

The physicochemical properties of stimuli-responsive polymers can be easily adjusted using changes in their external environment. This attribute made them to capture the attention of many researchers as this facilitates their recovery from the bulk sample after the separation process. Researchers have used stimuli-responsive materials such as pH-responsive, thermo-responsive and light-responsive polymers in separation science. They have utilized them during adsorption studies, aqueous two-phase systems and membrane systems. These applications of various types of stimuli-responsive polymers are well-articulated in this review. The advantages and limitations of some of the stimuli-responsive polymers are also summarised in this paper. In addition, the challenges and future prospects of stimuli-responsive polymer are also explored in detail in this review. • Smart polymers have stimuli-adjustable physicochemical properties. • Stimuli commonly used in separation science include temperature, pH and light. • They can be applied in ATPS, membrane systems and adsorption studies. • Composite formation enhances their physicochemical properties. • Stimuli-responsive polymers can be recovered and recycled easily.