Light-responsive and ultrapermeable two-dimensional metal-organic framework membrane for efficient ionic energy...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Nanofluidic membranes are promising for osmotic energy conversion.
• A key challenge is balancing ionic selectivity and permeability.
• Existing nanochannel membranes face limitations in power density.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a bionic nanofluidic system for enhanced osmotic energy conversion.
• To investigate the use of two-dimensional (2D) copper tetra-(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin framework (Cu-TCPP) membranes.
• To explore light-controlled ion transport and its synergy with salinity gradients.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a bionic nanofluidic membrane using 2D Cu-TCPP.
• Characterization of the membrane's nanoporous structure and interlayer channels.
• Measurement of ion permeability and power density under various conditions (salinity gradient, light irradiation).

Main Results:

• The Cu-TCPP membrane exhibited ultrahigh ion permeability and a power density of 16.64 W m⁻².
• Light-controlled ion active transport was achieved using the photo-thermal property of Cu-TCPP under natural sunlight.
• Combining solar energy with salinity gradient significantly improved performance; light alone achieved 0.82 W m⁻² in a symmetric system.

Conclusions:

• The bionic Cu-TCPP nanofluidic membrane offers superior performance for osmotic energy conversion.
• This system demonstrates a novel approach for light-driven ion transport, enhancing energy conversion efficiency.
• The study expands the concept of salinity energy to broader ionic energy applications.