Abstract
Synthetic membranes are used in a number of diverse applications, such as filtration1,2, bioreactors2,3, tissue culture4, analytical devices including sensors2,5, and as supports for active materials1,5. Narrow pore-size distribution, high pore density and thinness are often important attributes. The anodic oxidation of aluminium6 can produce porous films possessing these features; the anodizing voltage controls the pore size and pore density, whereas the thick-ness is determined by the amount of charge transferred. A major problem with this technique, however, is that the films remain attached to the aluminium, with the pore base closed by an oxide barrier layer. Here we overcome this problem by progressively reducing the anodizing voltage, thereby causing perforation of the barrier layer and separation of the film as a porous membrane.
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Furneaux, R., Rigby, W. & Davidson, A. The formation of controlled-porosity membranes from anodically oxidized aluminium. Nature 337, 147–149 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1038/337147a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/337147a0
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