Ionic Highways under Multivariate-Coupled Strategies: Ultrahigh Power Generation from Industrial Waste Liquors Using...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Sustainable Energy

Background:

• Conventional membranes fail under extreme conditions in industrial waste liquors.
• Harvesting energy from low-grade heat, acidity, and salinity is vital for sustainability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-performance osmotic energy conversion device using a novel membrane.
• To address the instability of membranes in harsh industrial environments.

Main Methods:

• Engineered a robust membrane using β-ketoenamine-linked covalent organic frameworks (COFs).
• Functionalized nanochannels with stimuli-responsive groups to regulate surface charge.
• Utilized a multivariate coupling strategy for energy harvesting.

Main Results:

• Achieved an ultrahigh power output of 258.81 W m⁻² from desulfurization waste liquors.
• Demonstrated exceptional membrane stability under thermal, chemical, and electrochemical stresses.
• Showcased 52-fold higher power output compared to commercial benchmarks.

Conclusions:

• The COF membrane offers superior permeability, selectivity, and stability for energy harvesting.
• This technology enables efficient energy recovery from challenging industrial waste streams.
• Paves the way for sustainable energy solutions in harsh environments.