Self-assembling subnanometer pores with unusual mass-transport properties

Authors

Xibin Zhou, Beijing Normal University
Guande Liu, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Kazuhiro Yamato, State University of New York at Buffalo
Yi Shen, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Ruixian Cheng, Beijing Normal University
Xiaoxi Wei, State University of New York at Buffalo
Wanli Bai, Beijing Normal University
Yi Gao, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Hui Li, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Yi Liu, Beijing Normal University
Futao Liu, Beijing Normal University
Daniel M. Czajkowsky, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Jingfang Wang, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Michael J. Dabney, State University of New York at Buffalo
Zhonghou Cai, Argonne National Laboratory
Jun Hu, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Frank V. Bright, State University of New York at Buffalo
Lan He, Beijing Normal University
Xiao Cheng Zeng, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Zhifeng Shao, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityFollow
Bing Gong, State University of New York at BuffaloFollow

Date of this Version

2012

Citation

Zhou, X. et al. Self-assembling subnanometer pores with unusual mass-transport properties. Nat. Commun. 3:949 doi: 10.1038/ncomms1949 (2012).

Comments

U. S. government work.

Abstract

A long-standing aim in molecular self-assembly is the development of synthetic nanopores capable of mimicking the mass-transport characteristics of biological channels and pores. Here we report a strategy for enforcing the nanotubular assembly of rigid macrocycles in both the solid state and solution based on the interplay of multiple hydrogen-bonding and aromatic π − π stacking interactions. The resultant nanotubes have modifiable surfaces and inner pores of a uniform diameter defined by the constituent macrocycles. The self-assembling hydrophobic nanopores can mediate not only highly selective transmembrane ion transport, unprecedented for a synthetic nanopore, but also highly efficient transmembrane water permeability. These results establish a solid foundation for developing synthetically accessible, robust nanostructured systems with broad applications such as reconstituted mimicry of defined functions solely achieved by biological nanostructures, molecular sensing, and the fabrication of porous materials required for water purification and molecular separations.