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

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

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

Original languageEnglish
Article number3935
Number of pages9
JournalNature communications
Volume13
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2022
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

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

Keywords

DFG Classification of Subject Areas according to Review Boards

Subject groups, research areas, subject areas according to Destatis

Keywords

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