Preparation and use of membranes with potential-controlled functions

A new type of membrane with potential-controllable functions was prepared b y grafting polyaniline to the surface of track-etch Nucleopore membrane wit h a vacuum deposited gold layer (PANI-membranes). Because of the cylindrica l shape of these pores, a nanocylinder of the desired conducting material i s obtained in each pore. A potential applied to PANI-membranes governs the properties of the conducting layer, such as charge and its distribution, co nformation, and density and, hence, controls the diffusion rate of substanc es through these membranes. The variation in diffusion rates of different s ubstances with different potentials applied to PANI-membranes provides the basis for the application of these membranes in separation processes and se nsors.