Imprinted Networks as Chiral Pumps

Y. Mao; M. Warner

doi:10.1103/physrevlett.86.5309

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arXiv · cond-mat/0101180

Imprinted Networks as Chiral Pumps

Y. Mao·M. Warner

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Abstract

We investigate the interaction between a chirally imprinted network and a solvent of chiral molecules. We find, a liquid crystalline polymer network is preferentially swollen by one component of a racemic solvent. This ability to separate is linked to the chiral order parameter of the network, and can be reversibly controlled via temperature or a mechanical deformation. It is maximal near the point at which the network loses its imprinted structure. One possible practical application of this effect would be a mechanical device for sorting mixed chiral molecules.

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Y. Mao, M. Warner. 2001-01-12. Imprinted Networks as Chiral Pumps. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.86.5309

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