Rectification of the ionic current through carbon nanotubes by electrostatic assembly of polyelectrolytes.
Rectification of the ionic current flowing through nanotubes embedded in a polymeric membrane is achieved by selective adsorption of polycations to the nanotubes' mouths. A one-dimensional model of ionic flux through a nanotube with charged entrance regions qualitatively describes current-voltage curves before and after polycation exposure; reversal potential measurements confirm that charge reversal takes place upon polycation adsorption. The inherent simply of this electrostatic approach makes it attractive in membrane and nanofluidic applications employing rectification.
Scruggs
Neal R
NR
Polymers Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899, USA.
Robertson
Joseph W F
JW
Kasianowicz
John J
JJ
Migler
Kalman B
KB