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Nanophase-Separation Heterogel Photoiontronics for Bidirectional Ion-Gradient Energy Conversion Modulation.

Xingyue Zhu^1,2,3, Ke Zhou⁴, Zhixin Wu^1,2,3

¹School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China.

|October 3, 2025

Summary

Researchers developed a nanophase-separation heterogel (NSH) photoiontronics for bidirectional light control of ion-gradient energy conversion. This innovation offers tunable power output and enhanced stability for advanced energy systems.

Keywords:

gradient energy conversion light-induced bidirectional modulation of ion transport nanophase-separation heterogel photoiontronics three-dimensional soft dynamic system

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Area of Science:

Materials Science
Energy Conversion
Nanotechnology

Background:

Current light-responsive reverse electrodialysis systems enhance energy conversion by modulating chemical potential gradients.
However, these systems exhibit unidirectional energy output enhancement and risk excessive energy release.

Purpose of the Study:

To present a novel nanophase-separation heterogel (NSH) photoiontronics for light-induced bidirectional modulation of ion-gradient energy conversion.
To enable precise control over energy output by counteracting or reinforcing chemical potential gradients.

Main Methods:

Fabrication of NSH photoiontronics with multiple heterointerfaces.
Application of cis- and trans-gradient light fields to generate distinct photoexcited built-in heterointerfacial potentials.
Characterization of ion-gradient energy conversion efficiency, power density, and system stability.

Main Results:

NSH photoiontronics achieved a high output power density of 137.62 W/m² under a 500-fold ion gradient.
Bidirectional light-responsive regulation of power generation ranged from 107.91 to 198.82 W/m².
Demonstrated mechanical robustness, swelling resistance, low-temperature ion modulation, and large-scale performance (0.81–1.27 W/m² at cm² scale).

Conclusions:

NSH photoiontronics offers a versatile platform for field-modulated ion transport with bidirectional light control.
The system exhibits excellent environmental adaptability and compatibility for renewable energy utilization, such as light-adaptive solar-osmotic energy conversion.
This technology holds significant potential for developing intelligent ion-gradient energy conversion systems.