Bio-inspired Light-Gated Three-Dimensional Metal-Organic Framework Nanochannels

In cell membranes, ion channels can open and close upon stimuli regulating the ion transportation. This function is called ion gating, which is a basic feature for bio-membranes. Inspired by nature, this thesis provides a new strategy of fabricating artificial nanochannels for light-gated ion transport. MOFs, a series of porous material with highly ordered structure, are used to build a sub-nanometer nanochannel platform, and responsive molecules are applied as controllable gates modifying inside MOF pores. Thus, the channel, molecule gates and ions transporting through are comparable in size, and a high on-off ratio can be achieved for emerging nanofluidics.