Asymmetric Two-Dimensional Nanomembranes for Salinity Gradient Energy Conversion.
basic_science · Level V
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- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 41489109.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c05727.
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Abstract
Salinity gradient energy offers a ubiquitous, renewable power source but remains inhibited by the trade-off between the ion selectivity and permeability of the membrane, which limits the diffusion potential and ionic current, thus restricting the output power. We designed a membrane with millimeter-scale lateral channels with angstrom height and unipolar asymmetry to overcome these constraints. By applying a localized spark reaction to vermiculite films, we engineered a robust monolithic asymmetric architecture with an enhanced ion selectivity (95.1% Na<sup>+</sup>) and rectification ratio (<i>R</i> ≈ 10). In modules of 900 cells (30 devices), these membranes sustained power densities of >5.0 W/m<sup>2</sup>, sufficient to charge smartphones and tablets with minimal performance losses. Our platform addresses long-standing performance and scalability barriers in salinity-gradient energy conversion, providing a pathway toward practical, high-power blue energy devices.