Effect of Surface Functionalization on the Transport Characteristics of Methyl Orange Through Track-Etched Membranes

Abstract

In this study we have prepared cylindrical and conical nanopores on poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) membranes using track-etching method. Later on we have investigated the mass transport of the chosen model dye Methyl Orange (MO) through these membranes. In order to enhance the transport flux of the dye, we have used surface functionalization using ethylenediamine (EDA) as the functionalization agent. We have confirmed the functionalization of the nanopore surface using electrochemical measurements. We have investigated mass transport through functionalized and bare PET membranes and shown that by attaching amine groups on the nanopore walls, we can indeed increase the transport of MO. Effects of pore size, pore geometry and temperature were investigated for the transport of MO. We have shown that PET, which has a negative surface charge at neutral pH, can be functionalized for a more effective transport of negatively charged analyte.