Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025

Merging Ion Concentration Polarization between Juxtaposed Ion Exchange Membranes to Block the Propagation of the Polarization Zone
Published on: February 23, 2017
Intercellular Ion-Gradient Piezoheterogated Biphasic Gel for Ultrahigh Iontronic Generation
Weipeng Chen1,2,3, Suli Zhang4,5, Ao Zhang6
1School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China.
None:
Piezoionic materials have attracted considerable attention for their ability to generate iontronic signals or power in response to stress stimuli. However, the limited intrinsic transport distinction between cations and anions within most ionic materials results in weakened iontronic power conversion efficiencies under stress fields. Here, we report a piezoheterogated biphasic gel for ultrahigh iontronic generation, characterized by high-internal microphase heterointerfaces that facilitate the distinct transport of various ion species. Due to the ion confinement effect of cell-like multicompartments, a stable intercellular ion gradient within biphasic gel systems can be established in situ, constructing the chemical potential to further enhance ionic transmission efficiency and obtain a high-density net ion flux in the piezoionic process. Consequently, as a reliable piezo cell, a record maximum power of 150 W/m3 over 24 h can be realized. Meanwhile, we develop piezoionic devices that can interface with paralyzed vagus nerves and successfully regulate the blood pressure of rodents through their neuromodulation. By matching the ion species with heterointerface gating effects to regulate the ionic transmission efficiency, the piezo signal neuromodulation process can be further governed. We anticipate that the bioinspired heterointerface engineering strategy can provide new insights into designing high-performance piezoionic systems for promising abiotic-biotic applications.
Related Concept Videos
What is an Electrochemical Gradient?
The chemical gradient relies on differences in the abundance of a substance on the outside versus the inside of a cell and flows from areas of high to low ion concentration. In contrast, the electrical gradient revolves around an...
Ion-Exchange Chromatography

