Relationships between Structure and Electrical Sensing of Breathable Membranes

Abstract The fabrication of outstanding voltage-activated membranes working like humidity sensors and microclimate regulators is herein discussed. Ordered microporous membranes are designated as supports for electrical charge pathways. A pH-assisted build up lays down functional carbon nanotubes in hybrid networks, leading to a different degree of stratification and aggregation depending on pendant chemical moieties. Variations up to 40% are detected for the relative electrical conductivity as a response to severe humidity changes in the surrounding atmosphere. Doping events are envisioned to induce a responsive behavior for the membranes, while donor-acceptor interactions established at the nanotube-water interface gather speed in moisture diffusion.