Size-selective separation of macromolecules by nanochannel titania membrane with self-cleaning (declogging) ability.
We report on a simple and self-organizing process for the fabrication of TiO(2) nanochannel membranes with a channel width of 8-10 nm that can be used for size selective separation of macromolecules (proteins). The membrane, consisting of self-aligned oxide channels, is formed by complete anodization of a thin Ti foil under specific electrochemical conditions in a glycerol-phosphate electrolyte. Due to self-cleaning properties of TiO(2), clogged membranes (for example due to extended use) can easily be fully reopened and thus are reusable. As the TiO(2) after anodic formation directly contains anatase crystallites (the most photoactive TiO(2) crystal form) no thermal treatment of the membrane is required (avoiding the danger of thermally induced cracking).
Roy
Poulomi
P
Department of Materials Science, WW4-LKO, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Martensstrasse 7, 91058 Erlangen, Germany.
Dey
Tuli
T
Lee
Kiyoung
K
Kim
Doohun
D
Fabry
Ben
B
Schmuki
Patrik
P
D000818:Animals; D002384:Catalysis; D002417:Cattle; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D010539:Permeability; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*
D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D011506:Proteins; C009495:titanium dioxide; D014025:Titanium