Papers Published
- Rao, G. V. and Lopez, G. P., Encapsulation of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) in silica: A stimuli-responsive porous hybrid material that incorporates molecular nano-valves,
ADVANCED MATERIALS, vol. 12 no. 22
(November, 2000),
pp. 1692--+ .
(last updated on 2010/02/08)Abstract:
Incorporation of a smart polymer into a silica matrix can lead to smart membranes, it is demonstrated here. Polymer-silica membranes were supported on porous centrifugal filters (see Figure), the encapsulated polymer molecules acting as ``nano-valves''. Permeation experiments with aqueous solutions of poly (ethylene glycol) show that the membranes function as thermally switchable molecular filters.