Net currents obtained from zero-average potentials in single amphoteric nanopores

• Net currents with zero-average time dependent potentials in single nanopores
• Results reminiscent of those found in electrochemical ratchet systems
• Applications in bio-electrochemistry and pH sensing and regulation
• Potential interest in chemical processors and energy conversion in liquid state

We have studied experimentally and theoretically the rectifying properties of a single asymmetric nanopore functionalized with amphoteric lysine groups and characterized the net current obtained with zero-average time dependent potentials. The pH-controlled rectification phenomena may be relevant to bio-electrochemistry, pH sensing and regulation, and energy conversion.

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