Variable Nanotube Interiors

What is it about?

Positively charged conjugated polymer nanotubes (CPN) embedded in polycarbonate membranes were used to disassemble negatively charged micelles. Upon disassembly of micelles, surfactants stick to the conjugated polymer surface. The number of surfactants sticking on the CPN is a function of number of positive charges on the conjugated polymer. By this approach, we were able to control the hydrophobicity of the nanotube interiors.

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Why is it important?

Fixed hydrophobic interiors have been obtained by well developed methods. However, it remained a challenge to achieve variable hydrophobic nanotubes interiors. We were able to achieve this by a deceptively simple approach of disassembling micelles inside nanotubes. This work will impact transport of small and large molecules. This work is likely to impact transport of water and biomolecules.