2021 · NANOMATERIALS

Conformation of Polyethylene Glycol inside Confined Space: Simulation and Experimental Approaches

Ma, Tianji, Arroyo, Nicolas, Marc Janot, Jean, Picaud, Fabien, Balme, Sebastien

Journal
NANOMATERIALS
Année
2021
Volume
11
Numéro
1
Article
244
Mois
JAN
DOI
10.3390/nano11010244

Abstract

The modification of the inner nanopore wall by polymers is currently used to change the specific properties of the nanosystem. Among them, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the most used to prevent the fouling and ensure the wettability. However, its properties depend mainly on the chain structure that is very difficult to estimate inside this confined space. Combining experimental and simulation approaches, we provide an insight to the consequence of the PEG presence inside the nanopore on the nanopore properties. We show, in particular, that the cation type in the electrolyte, together with the type of electrolyte (water or urea), is at the origin of the ion transport modification in the nanopore.

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