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Stacked-overlapped graphdiyne nano-iontronics enabling enhanced monovalent/divalent cation selectivity for
Jin Zhang1,2, Saud Asif Ahmed1,3, Chenxi Wang1
1Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Living Biosystems, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
National Science Review
|March 25, 2026
Summary
A novel graphdiyne (GDY) nano-iontronic sensor offers precise, real-time pH monitoring in biological systems. This device minimizes ionic interference, enabling high-resolution measurements at the single-cell level.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Precise measurements in physiological systems require nano-iontronic devices with minimal ionic interference.
- Graphdiyne (GDY), a carbon allotrope with sub-nanometer pores, shows potential for regulating ionic transport in iontronic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a pH-responsive nano-iontronic sensor using stacked and overlapped graphdiyne (so-GDY) layers.
- To evaluate the sensor's performance, selectivity, and stability for biological pH measurements.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nano-iontronic device by layering so-GDY onto a nanopipette tip.
- Measurement of ionic current response to varying pH levels (8.00 to 5.50) under negative potential.
- Assessment of selectivity against divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+) and small molecules.
Main Results:
- The so-GDY sensor exhibited a linear decrease in ionic current with decreasing pH due to protonation of functional groups.
- The device demonstrated excellent selectivity, resisting interference from common ions and molecules.
- Monovalent cations were transported significantly faster than divalent cations, with high repeatability, reversibility, and stability.
Conclusions:
- The so-GDY-based nano-iontronic sensor provides a biocompatible, high-resolution tool for minimally invasive, real-time pH measurements.
- This technology enables advanced investigation of cellular dynamics and disease pathogenesis at single-cell and organelle levels.
