Imprinted networks as chiral pumps.
We investigate the interaction between a chirally imprinted network and a solvent of chiral molecules. We find that a liquid-crystalline polymer network is preferentially swollen by one component of a racemic solvent. This ability to separate is linked to the chiral order parameter of the network, and can be reversibly controlled via temperature or a mechanical deformation. It is maximal near the point at which the network loses its imprinted structure. One possible practical application of this effect would be a mechanical device for sorting mixed chiral molecules.
Mao
Y
Y
Cavendish Laboratory, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0HE, United Kingdom.
Warner
M
M
D008956:Models, Chemical; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D011108:Polymers