Reversible Pore Gating in Aqueous Mixtures via External Potential

TL;DR

This paper presents a theoretical study of porous membranes in aqueous mixtures, demonstrating how external potentials can reversibly switch pore states between 'off' and 'on' based on various environmental parameters.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model explaining reversible pore gating in aqueous mixtures influenced by external potential and environmental factors.

Findings

Large pores can be reversibly gated by external potential.

Transition voltage depends on membrane hydrophilicity, salt content, and temperature.

Filling transition can be abrupt or gradual depending on parameters.

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.