Resting-Potential-Inspired Solid-State Iontronic Osmotic Power Source Enabled by Polarized MXene

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Energy Science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Bio-inspired osmotic energy holds promise for sustainable power but faces challenges in ion-electron decoupling and device complexity.
• Existing designs often limit output power and portability due to over-engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a compact, solid-state osmotic power source by leveraging the ion-electron coupling properties of polarized MXene.
• To mimic transmembrane ion transport at resting potential using an all-MXene iontronic osmotic power source (IOPS).

Main Methods:

• Utilized density functional theory (DFT) calculations and multiscale characterizations.
• Designed an all-MXene solid-state iontronic osmotic power source (IOPS).
• Investigated the operating mechanism based on K+ diffusion dynamics and Fermi level differences.

Main Results:

• Achieved an initial open-circuit voltage exceeding 0.57 V.
• Demonstrated a high volumetric power density of 1030 μW cm⁻³.
• The IOPS architecture allows for straightforward scalability and reconfiguration.

Conclusions:

• The study presents a novel solid-state iontronic design strategy for compact osmotic power sources.
• This work integrates biological ion gradient principles with emerging iontronics for practical osmotic energy deployment.
• The developed IOPS offers a promising avenue for green and sustainable power generation.