Biomimetic Nanofluidic Diode Composed of Dual Amphoteric Channels Maintains Rectification Direction over a Wide pH Range |
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| Authors: | Dr. Xin Sui Dr. Zhen Zhang Dr. Zhenyu Zhang Zhiwei Wang Chao Li Dr. Hao Yuan Prof. Dr. Longcheng Gao Prof. Dr. Liping Wen Prof. Dr. Xia Fan Prof. Dr. Lijun Yang Prof. Dr. Xinru Zhang Prof. Dr. Lei Jiang |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Laboratory of Bio-Inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Beijing Energy, School of Chemistry and Environment, Beihang University, Beijing, P.R. China;2. Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China;3. Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Polymer Chemistry and Physics of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China;4. School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing, P.R. China;5. School of Astronautics, Beihang University, Beijing, P.R. China |
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| Abstract: | pH‐gated ion channels in cell membranes play important roles in the cell's physiological activities. Many artificial nanochannels have been fabricated to mimic the natural phenomenon of pH‐gated ion transport. However, these nanochannels show pH sensitivity only within certain pH ranges. Wide‐range pH sensitivity has not yet been achieved. Herein, for the first time, we provide a versatile strategy to increase the pH‐sensitive range by using dual amphoteric nanochannels. In particular, amphoteric polymeric nanochannels with carboxyl groups derived from a block copolymer (BCP) precursor and nanochannels with hydroxyl groups made from anodic alumina oxide (AAO) were used. Due to a synergistic effect, the hybrid nanochannels exhibit nanofluidic diode properties with single rectification direction over a wide pH range. The novel strategy presented here is a scalable, low‐cost, and robust alternative for the construction of large‐area membranes for nanofluidic applications, such as the separation of biomolecules. |
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| Keywords: | amphoteric nanochannels block copolymers ion transport nanofluidic diodes ph-gating |
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