Smart Nano‐switch with Flexible Modulation of Ion Transport Using Multiple Environmental Stimuli

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate a unique nano‐switch with triple environmental stimuli based on the action of functional copolymer brushes in a single conical nanochannel. This nanodevice flexibly and efficiently modulates ion transport properties under the influence of three environmental stimuli: light, pH and temperature. The triple factors can not only play a regulatory role independently, but their synergistic cooperation could fully activate the ionic gate and reversibly control the gating direction. In addition, the nano‐switch can switch transport properties on demand in the face of complex combinations of different factors. This work promotes the development of intelligent bionic ion channels, which holds promise for biosensing, energy conversion and biomedical research.

Iontronic Sensing Based on Confined Ion Transport

“…Anodic alumina films, resulting from the electrochemical oxidation of aluminum, have been under scrutiny and application for more than a century. − In the context of confined ion transport, recent focus has shifted toward nanoporous anodic alumina films with a hexagonal arrangement of monodisperse nanopores. This specific structure has gained popularity as a template system for facilitating and investigating ion transport within constrained environments, offering insights into the intricate dynamics of ions within these nanoporous frameworks. − Creating a well-ordered alumina nanopore array involves anodizing an aluminum surface . The tunability of pore diameter and density in self-ordered porous anodic alumina is achievable by selecting appropriate anodization conditions such as an electrolyte type, acidity, anodizing voltage, temperature, and time.…”