A Bioinspired Switchable and Tunable Carbonate-Activated Nanofluidic Diode Based on a Single Nanochannel

A smart nanofluidic diode that exhibits both ion gating and ion current rectification has been developed using a 1-(4-amino-phenyl)-2,2,2-trifluoro-ethanone-functionalized, conical nanochannel in a polyimide (PI) membrane. The switch-like property can be tuned by controlling the wettability and charge distribution with carbonate ions. Such a nanodevice is advantageous for precisely controlling conductive states with an ultrahigh gating ratio of up to 5000, and a high rectification ratio of 27. By virtue of the high selectivity and sensitivity for carbonate ions, this nanofluidic diode may find applications in carbonate or carbon dioxide detection.