Abstract

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study ionic flow in carbon nanotubes with the goal of using carbon nanotubes as artificial protein channels found in cell membranes. Simulations show that ion occupancy in a carbon nanotube solvated in an electrolyte is very low. When partial charges were placed on the rim atoms of an uncapped (16, 16) tube and an external electric field was applied it was found that the ion occupancy increased significantly. To mimic an ion channel in a membrane, functional groups were attached at the ends and the tube was placed in a slab. The functionalized tube was found to conduct ions in the presence of an electric field and depending on the direction of the field it was selective to anions over cations.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show - Nanotech 2003
EditorsM. Laudon, B. Romanowicz
Pages158-161
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2003
Event2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show - Nanotech 2003 - San Francisco, CA, United States
Duration: Feb 23 2003Feb 27 2003

Publication series

Name2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show - Nanotech 2003
Volume1

Other

Other2003 Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show - Nanotech 2003
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Francisco, CA
Period2/23/032/27/03

Keywords

  • Biosensors
  • Carbon nanotubes
  • Functionalization
  • Ion channels

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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