Reversible pore gating in aqueous mixtures via external potential

Yoav Tsori, Chemical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
Sela Samin, Chemical Engineering, Ben-gurion University Of The Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel


We examine theoretically porous membranes in aqueous mixtures. We show that the membrane’s
pores can be reversibly gated from ‘off’ (co-solvent-rich, poor conductor of ions and other solutes)
to ’on’ (water-rich, good conductor) states by an external potential. The transition voltage or
charge for switching depends on the membrane hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity, the salt content,
the preferential solvation of the salt ions, and the temperature. These parameters also determine
whether the filling transition is abrupt or gradual.