Cation dependent transport in a field effect nanofluidic device

We demonstrate preferential transport of monovalent cations with respect to divalent cations in a field effect nanofluidic switching device. Ion transport, quantified by the measured current through 16 nm deep channels, is controlled using an embedded gate electrode. Preferential ion transport based on valence in a nanofluidic channel with the ability to switch off ionic current via an embedded gate electrode as a function of cation type is reported for the first time.