Improved ion transport in hydrogel-based nanofluidics for osmotic energy conversion

Weipeng Chen, Qianru Zhang, Yongchao Qian, Weiwen Xin, Dezhao Hao, Xiaolu Zhao, Congcong Zhu, Xiang-Yu Kong, Benzhuo Lu, Lei Jiang, Liping Wen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

66 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In nature, ultrafast signal transfer based on ion transport, which is the foundation of biological processes, commonly works in a hydrogel-water mixed mechanism. Inspired by organisms' hydrogel-based system, we introduce hydrogel into nanofluidics to prepare a hydrogel hybrid membrane. The introduction of a space charged hydrogel improves the ion selectivity evidently. Also, a power generator based on the hydrogel hybrid membrane shows an excellent energy conversion property; a maximum power density up to 11.72 W/m2is achieved at a 500-fold salinity gradient. Furthermore, the membrane shows excellent mechanical properties. These values are achievable, which indicates our membrane's huge potential applications in osmotic energy conversion.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2097-2104
Number of pages8
JournalACS Central Science
Volume6
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Oct 2020
Externally publishedYes

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