Diffusion and filtration properties of self-assembled gold nanocrystal membranes.

He, Jinbo; Lin, Xiao-Min; Chan, Henry; Vuković, Lela; Král, Petr; Jaeger, Heinrich M · Nano Lett · 2011

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Close-packed nanoparticle monolayers have recently been shown to form mechanically robust, free-standing membranes. We report the first measurements of molecular transport through such ultrathin sheets, self-assembled from dodecanethiol-ligated gold nanocrystals. For aqueous solutions we find filtration coefficients 2 orders of magnitude larger than those observed in polymer-based filters, sieving of large solutes, and for smaller solutes a pronounced dependence of rejection on being charged. These results open up new possibilities for controlled delivery and separation of nano-objects.

Medical subject headings