Rectification of the ionic current through carbon nanotubes by electrostatic assembly of polyelectrolytes.

Scruggs, Neal R; Robertson, Joseph W F; Kasianowicz, John J; Migler, Kalman B · Nano Lett · 2009

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

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.