Water permeable nanotubes from amphiphilic block copolymers

ORAL

Abstract

We used anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes to generate nanotubes of the cylinder-forming polystyrene-block-poly(ethylene oxide) (PS-b-PEO) copolymer. The PS-b-PEO solution was introduced into the cylindrical nanopores of an AAO membrane by capillary force and polymeric nanotubes formed after solvent evaporation. Owing to the water solubility of the cylindrical PEO microdomains and the orientation of the cylindrical PEO microdomains with respsect to the nanotube walls, the nanotubes were permeable to aqueous media. We also prepared PS-b-PEO nanotubes inside amorphous carbon nanotubes (a-CNTs) where the microphase separated morphology could serve as a template for functionalizing the interior of the carbon nanotubes.

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Authors

  • Jiun-Tai Chen

    University of Massachusetts Amherst

  • Mingfu Zhang

    University of Massachusetts Amherst

  • Ling Yang

    University of Massachusetts Amherst

  • Margaret Collins

    David R. Cawley Middle School

  • Jim Parks

    West Springfield Middle School

  • Armando Avallone

    East Naples Middle School

  • Thomas Russell

    University of Massachusetts Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003 Amherst, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, University of Massachestts, Amherst, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Department of Physics, Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst