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Bio-Inspired 2D Asymmetric Nanochannels for High-Resolution Li+/Mg2+ Separation
Shuai Wang1,2,3, Chuanjie Fang3, Yi Huang4
1School of Physics, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|August 8, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a Janus graphene oxide membrane (JGOM) for efficient lithium extraction from brines. The asymmetric membrane shows diode-like ion transport, achieving high selectivity for Li+ over Mg2+.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Sustainable lithium resource development is critical.
- Designing nanochannels for selective ion transport remains challenging.
- Existing methods struggle with efficient Li+/Mg2+ separation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel membrane for high-efficiency lithium extraction.
- To achieve selective separation of Li+ from Mg2+ in salt lake brines.
- To investigate diode-like ion transport in asymmetric nanochannels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a Janus graphene oxide membrane (JGOM) with asymmetric nanochannels.
- Modification of nanochannels with sulfonate (SO3-) and amino (NH3+) groups.
- Experimental testing and simulation of ion transport and separation performance.
Main Results:
- The JGOM exhibited diode-like ion transport behavior.
- Achieved high-efficiency Li+/Mg2+ separation, outperforming control membranes.
- Demonstrated fast Li+ transport via hopping recognition and electrostatic attraction.
- Prevented Mg2+ passage through enhanced electrostatic repulsion in pGO channels.
Conclusions:
- The asymmetric JGOM design enables selective Li+/Mg2+ separation.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for sustainable lithium resource development.
- Provides new insights into rational design of ion sieving membranes.
