Nanopore charge inversion and current-voltage curves in mixtures of asymmetric electrolytes

[EN] We consider the screening of the negative charges (carboxylic acid groups) fixed on the surface of a conical-shaped track-etched nanopore by divalent magnesium (Mg2+) and trivalent lanthanum (La3+). The experimental current (I)-voltage (V) curves and current rectification ratios allow discussing fundamental questions about the overcompensation of spatially-fixed charges by multivalent ions over nanoscale volumes. The effects of charge inversion or reversal on nanopore transport are discussed in mixtures of asymmetric electrolytes (LaCl3 and MgCl2 with KCl). In particular, pore charge inversion is demonstrated for La3+ as well as for mixtures of this trivalent ion at low concentrations …