Study on transportation of phenol through a nanotubule membrane

Gold nanochannels were prepared by plating electrolessly gold within the pores of polycarbonate filter membranes (PCTMs). These PCTMs with cylindrical Au nanotubules of uniform radius and high density can be used as a convenient model system to investigate the mechanism of particle transport through nanotubules. The transport properties of phenol through a modified Au nanotubule membrane were studied. The permeate flux of phenol transport through the nanotubule membrane can be spatially and temporally manipulated by controlling the magnitude and direction of the current applied across the separation cell, and the electroosmotic flow (EOF) was investigated by measuring the flux of phenol across the PCTM. The current values and modification of nanotubules affected the EOF generated inside the nanotubules. The permeation flux of phenol through the nanotubule membrane can be easily changed by modifying the Au nanotubules with Cl^− or L-cysteine, and changing the direction of the applied current and the pH of the buffer solution used in mass transport experiments.