Abstract

Nanoporous silica colloidal crystalline films (opals) containing ca. 35 layers of self-assembled 170-nm-diameter silica spheres have been surface-sulfonated by treatment with 1,3-propanesultone. The transport of ions through these films as a function of ion charge, pH and solution ionic strength has been studied using cyclic voltammetry in water. At neutral pH and low supporting electrolyte concentration the flux of anions through the opal film is blocked, while the flux of cations is increased, compared to the unmodified silica opal films. The permselectivity is pH dependent and is due to electrostatic repulsion/attraction that can be modulated by changing the ionic strength of the contacting solution.

Full Text

Published Version

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.