Relationships between structure and electrical sensitivity of breathable membranes,

Membranes are ideal microarrays where different and complementary functions can be accommodated, taking the privilege to combine surface and bulk transport in a unique layer. Here, the fabrication of outstanding electrically responsive membranes is discussed together with their ability to work as humidity sensors and microclimate regulators. Designated nano-assembly approaches have generated highly ordered microporous membranes, which support electrical charge pathways. A pH-assisted build up has deposited functional carbon nanotubes in hybrid networks, while pendant chemical moieties have directed nanotubes stratification and aggregation, resulting in a different number of interconnections and quality-electrical charge pathways. An electrical current passage of the order of mA is measured at very low voltages through better-quality nanotubes networks, while a variation of the electrical resistance up to 28% can be detected as a response to severe changes in the surrounding environment. Assisted proton diffusion with resulting doping effect by water is envisioned as a potential mechanism for the responsive behavior. Also, the nanotubes moieties are identified as transport regulators due to their different ability to interact with water molecules through donor/acceptor interactions, thus yielding modular moisture exchange. These membranes are candidate to provide attractive solutions to the construction of ultra-smart devices.