Molecular sieving and sensing with gold nanotube membranes.
We have developed a new class of synthetic membranes that consist of a porous polymeric support that contains an ensemble of gold nanotubes that span the thickness of the support membrane. The support is a commercially available microporous polycarbonate filter with cylindrical nanoscopic pores. The gold nanotubes are prepared via electroless deposition of Au onto the pore walls; i.e., the pores act as templates for the nanotubes. We have shown that by controlling the Au deposition time, Au nanotubes that have effective inside diameters of molecular dimensions (<1 nm) can be prepared. These nanotube membranes can be used to cleanly separate small molecules on the basis of molecular size. Furthermore, use of these membranes as a novel electrochemical sensor is also discussed. This new sensing scheme involves applying a constant potential across the Au nanotube membrane and measuring the drop in the transmembrane current upon the addition of the analyte. This paper reviews our recent progress on size-based transport selectivity and sensor applications in this new class of membranes.
Wirtz
Marc
M
Department of Chemistry and Center for Research at the Bio/Nano Interface, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Parker
Matthew
M
Kobayashi
Yoshio
Y
Martin
Charles R
CR
D004563:Electrochemistry; D006046:Gold; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D036103:Nanotechnology; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D016062:Porosity
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011108:Polymers; D006046:Gold