monitoring transport across modified nanoporous alumina membranes监控运输在改性纳米多孔氧化铝膜.pdfVIP

Sensors 2007, 7, 2942-2952 sensors ISSN 1424-8220 © 2007 by MDPI /sensors Full Research Paper Monitoring Transport Across Modified Nanoporous Alumina Membranes Sai S. Penumetcha, Ravikanth Kona, Jonathan L. Hardin, Andrew L. Molder and Erich D. Steinle* Department of Chemistry, Missouri State University, 901 South National Avenue, Springfield, MO 65897, USA * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mail: esteinle@ Received: 12 September 2007 / Accepted: 22 November 2007 / Published: 23 November 2007 Abstract: This paper describes the use of several characterization methods to examine alumina nanotubule membranes that have been modified with specific silanes. The function of these silanes is to alter the transport properties through the membrane by changing the local environment inside the alumina nanotube. The presence of alkyl groups, either long (C18) or short and branched (isopropyl) hydrocarbon chains, on these silanes significantly decreases the rate of transport of permeant molecules through membranes containing alumina nanotubes as monitored via absorbance spectroscopy. The presence of an ionic surfactant can alter the polarity of these modified nanotubes, which correlates to an increased transport of ions. Fluorescent spectroscopy is also utilized to enhance the sensitivity of detecting these permeant molecules. Confirmation of the alkylsilane attachment to the alumina