Nanopore Formation via pH-Shift Hydrophilicity Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nanopore formation techniques face challenges with low yield and size control, particularly due to hydrophobic membrane surfaces and the need for unsafe on-site treatments like piranha or plasma processing, and high pH solutions that can deteriorate membranes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of a high pH aqueous solution to secure membrane hydrophilicity, followed by replacement with a neutral pH solution for dielectric breakdown to form nanopores, ensuring high yield and precise size control without membrane deterioration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a neutral pH aqueous solution is used for nanopore formation, then the manufacturing cost is reduced and user safety is improved, but the yield of nanopore formation deteriorates due to hydrophobic membrane surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary hydrophilicity treatment to the membrane surface before nanopore formation. By treating the membrane with a high pH aqueous solution (pH 10-14) prior to the actual nanopore formation process, the membrane surface is converted from hydrophobic to hydrophilic state, ensuring proper wetting and contact with the subsequent neutral pH forming solution, thereby achieving high yield without requiring dangerous piranha or plasma treatments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pH parameter of the aqueous solution from neutral to high pH for the hydrophilicity treatment step. This parameter change transforms the surface properties of the membrane, making it hydrophilic and suitable for subsequent nanopore formation in a safe, neutral pH environment
2Productivity
If piranha processing or plasma processing is performed to hydrophilize the membrane, then the yield of nanopore formation is improved, but user safety deteriorates and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces dangerous, expensive, and complex treatments (piranha solution, plasma processing) with a simpler, safer high pH aqueous solution treatment. This alternative method achieves the same hydrophilicity effect without the safety hazards and operational complexities of the conventional methods, making it suitable for commercialization and on-site use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the naturally hydrophobic property of dry membranes, which initially causes problems, into a controllable feature by using high pH solution treatment. This transforms the surface property in a safe manner, converting what was previously a harmful characteristic (hydrophobicity preventing solution contact) into a beneficial state (hydrophilicity enabling proper wetting) without dangerous processes
3Reliability
If high pH aqueous solution is used for nanopore formation, then membrane hydrophilicity is improved, but membrane deterioration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the treatment process into two distinct stages: first, hydrophilicity treatment using high pH solution; second, nanopore formation using neutral pH solution. This segmentation allows the membrane to receive the hydrophilicity treatment briefly without prolonged exposure that would cause deterioration, then immediately transition to the safe neutral pH environment for nanopore formation
Solution Approach 2:
The high pH treatment is applied as a preliminary step only to establish hydrophilicity, not for the actual nanopore formation. This preliminary action is kept brief and followed by replacement with neutral pH solution, ensuring the membrane achieves necessary surface properties without prolonged exposure to deteriorating conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables the formation of nanopores with high yield and appropriate size, overcoming hydrophobic issues and avoiding burdensome preservation processes, while ensuring membrane integrity and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
securing hydrophilicity of a surface of the membrane
Implementation Method 2
The reason why a solid-state membrane becomes hydrophobic due to surrounding environment is considered to be that its surface is oxidized
Implementation Method 3
immensing an electrode in each of the first solution tank and the second solution tank containing the aqueous solution at the second pH to cause dielectric breakdown and form a nanopore in the membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A nanopore with a high yield and an appropriate size is formed. Thus, the present disclosure proposes a nanopore formation method for forming a nanopore in a membrane, the method including: introducing an aqueous solution at a first pH into a first solution tank and a second solution tank insulated by the membrane; securing hydrophilicity of a surface of the membrane; replacing the aqueous solution at the first pH in the first solution tank and the second solution tank with an aqueous solution at a second pH lower than the first pH after the hydrophilicity of the surface of the membrane is secured; and immersing an electrode in each of the first solution tank and the second solution tank containing the aqueous solution at the second pH to cause dielectric breakdown and form a nanopore in the membrane.