Carbon Nanotube Fiber Nanochannel for Ion Passage

Nanochannels, such as ion channels, are present in many biological functions and can control ion flow through the channel for cellular function. The trigger of the ion flow can be achieved through changes of pH, voltage, or others variables. Ion channels are important to studying some diseases, however, biological ion channels are embedded in fragile lipid bilayer membranes making them difficult to study. This research is focused on creating a synthetic nanochannel that employs the internal diameter of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as pores. The CNTs are naturally hydrophobic and studies have shown fast water transport though the CNTs making them a good material for synthetic ion channels. We will assemble 107 channels in parallel to each other within a CNT fiber. This approach will allow easy assembly of the nanochannels for exploration of their capabilities and limitations. This project looks at the diameter correlation to ion dimensions as well as the size selectivity of the nanochannels. Preliminary work has been focused on electrochemical measurements that confirm flow of ions through the CNT nanochannels. Blank samples show current flow close to zero, while samples containing the CNT nanochannel show current flow higher then 4 nA.