Ultratrace Chemical Analysis with Nanotubule Membranes - Fundamental Studies

University Of Florida, Gainesville FL

Investigators

Abstract

This project, which is supported in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry program conducts fundamental studies on the effects of analyte molecules on current flow through membranes. Conducted by Dr. Charles Martin and his group at the University of Florida, the research uses a membrane containing gold nanotubes to detect analyte concentrations by measuring enhanced resistance as an analyte molecule passes through the membrane. The tubes are of molecular dimensions (< 1 nm) and extraordinarily low detection limits are possible. The project addresses four main areas; 1) the mechanism by which the analyte is transferred from the bulk solution to the mouths of the nanotubes, 2) the nature of the partitioning of the analyte into the nanotubes, 3) the role of hindered diffusion of the analyte within the nanotubes on the response mechanism, and 4) the fundamental detection limits achievable by this device. This research develops basic information on how membranes containing gold nanotubes can be used to analyze extremely low levels of organic species. Information from this research will be useful to determine the size and number of extremely small (eg virus) particles.