Modulating molecular and nanoparticle transport in flexible polydimethylsiloxane membranes

► Novel process to produce pores in cured polydimethylsiloxane membranes. ► CO2 and H2O from the reaction of conc. HCl and embedded NaHCO3 create pores in PDMS. ► Modulated transport of ions and nanoparticles through the membranes. ► Flexibility of PDMS enables flow modulation through the membrane. ► Mechanically stretching controls the flow rate of ions and nanoparticles.