Ionic rectification by electrostatically actuated tethers on single walled carbon nanotube membranes

Large electrostatically actuating charged tethers (similar to 2.5 nm) at the tip entrances of single walled carbon nanotubes (i.d. similar to 1.5 nm) can dramatically enhance ionic gating at the CNT core entrance. Significant rectification of small ions at physiological ionic strengths is observed and this system closely mimics the function of protein channels.