Anomalous decline of water transport in covalently modified carbon nanotube membranes

Chem Commun (Camb). 2011 Jul 21;47(27):7683-5. doi: 10.1039/c1cc11134e. Epub 2011 Jun 9.

Abstract

Carbon nanotube membranes have been shown to rapidly transport liquids; but progressive hydrophilic modification--contrary to expectations--induces a drastic reduction of water flow. Enhanced electrostatic interaction and the disruption of the mechanically smooth graphitic walls is the determinant of this behavior. These results have critical implications in the design of nanofluidic devices.