Cation-selective two-dimensional polyimine membranes for high-performance osmotic energy conversion

Publikation: Beitrag in FachzeitschriftForschungsartikelBeigetragenBegutachtung

Beitragende

Abstract

Two-dimensional (2D) membranes are emerging candidates for osmotic energy conversion. However, the trade-off between ion selectivity and conductivity remains the key bottleneck. Here we demonstrate a fully crystalline imine-based 2D polymer (2DPI) membrane capable of combining excellent ionic conductivity and high selectivity for osmotic energy conversion. The 2DPI can preferentially transport cations with Na+ selectivity coefficient of 0.98 (Na+/Cl selectivity ratio ~84) and K+ selectivity coefficient of 0.93 (K+/Cl ratio ~29). Moreover, the nanometer-scale thickness (~70 nm) generates a substantially high ionic flux, contributing to a record power density of up to ~53 W m−2, which is superior to most of nanoporous 2D membranes (0.8~35 W m−2). Density functional theory unveils that the oxygen and imine nitrogen can both function as the active sites depending on the ionization state of hydroxyl groups, and the enhanced interaction of Na+ versus K+ with 2DPI plays a significant role in directing the ion selectivity.

Details

OriginalspracheEnglisch
Aufsatznummer3935
Seitenumfang9
FachzeitschriftNature communications
Jahrgang13
Ausgabenummer1
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Dez. 2022
Peer-Review-StatusJa

Externe IDs

PubMed 35803906
WOS 000825867200013
ORCID /0000-0002-8487-0972/work/142247549

Schlagworte

Fächergruppen, Lehr- und Forschungsbereiche, Fachgebiete nach Destatis

Schlagwörter

  • Generalized gradient approximation, Reverse electrodialysis, Graphene, Transport, Density, Rectification