Compositions and methods for polarization-switched, solid-state molecular pumping

A method comprising the steps of:

• alternating a polarization-switched, solid-state, molecular (POSSM) pump between a first condition and a second condition, the POSSM pump comprising a pair of electrically connected electrodes, at least one of which has surfaces on which polarizable molecules are attached, or having between the electrodes a dielectric material with the polarizable molecules attached thereto, or having both, wherein in the first condition a non-zero electric potential difference is applied between the conductors and in the second condition, a lower electric potential difference is applied relative to the first condition;
• and
• Adsorbing sorbate molecules from a fluid to the polarizable molecules in the first or second condition and desorbing the sorbate molecules from the polarizable molecules in the second or first condition, respectively.