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arXiv · 1605.09413

Reversible Pore Gating in Aqueous Mixtures via External Potential

Sela Samin·Yoav Tsori
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Abstract

We examine theoretically porous membranes in aqueous mixtures. We show that large membrane pores can be reversibly gated from `off' (co-solvent-rich, poor conductor of ions and other solutes) to 'on' (water-rich, good conductor) states by an external potential. The transition voltage or charge for switching depends on the membrane hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, the salt content, the preferential solvation of the salt ions, and the temperature. These parameters also determine whether the filling transition is abrupt or gradual.

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Sela Samin, Yoav Tsori. 2016-05-30. Reversible Pore Gating in Aqueous Mixtures via External Potential. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colcom.2016.04.002

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