US Patent 7611628 - Aligned nanotubule membrane

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/7611628.html

This patent form the University of Kentucky teaches a fabrication method for a molecular sieve having a uniform pore diameter with functionalization at the pore openings. Claim 1 reads:

1. A method for producing a permeable membrane, comprising the steps of:

aligning a plurality of hollow nanotubules to form a mat;

coating the mat with a continuous polymer matrix to form a membrane; and

etching the membrane to remove a layer of polymer from a surface of the membrane to (a) open the plurality of hollow nanotubules whereby the nanotubules define pores passing through the membrane, and (b) oxidize an end of the nanotubules to form carboxylate groups.