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Diurnal humidity cycle driven selective ion transport across clustered polycation membrane

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  • Yuanyuan Zhao

    (Renmin University of China
    Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Ju Liu

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Gang Lu

    (City University of Hong Kong)

  • Jinliang Zhang

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Liyang Wan

    (University of Connecticut)

  • Shan Peng

    (The University of Hong Kong
    Hebei University)

  • Chao Li

    (Beihang University)

  • Yanlei Wang

    (Renmin University of China
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Mingzhan Wang

    (University of Chicago)

  • Hongyan He

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • John H. Xin

    (Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Yulong Ding

    (University of Birmingham)

  • Shuang Zheng

    (The University of Hong Kong)

Abstract

The ability to manipulate the flux of ions across membranes is a key aspect of diverse sectors including water desalination, blood ion monitoring, purification, electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Here we illustrate the potential of using daily changes in environmental humidity as a continuous driving force for generating selective ion flux. Specifically, self-assembled membranes featuring channels composed of polycation clusters are sandwiched between two layers of ionic liquids. One ionic liquid layer is kept isolated from the ambient air, whereas the other is exposed directly to the environment. When in contact with ambient air, the device showcases its capacity to spontaneously produce ion current, with promising power density. This result stems from the moisture content difference of ionic liquid layers across the membrane caused by the ongoing process of moisture absorption/desorption, which instigates selective transmembrane ion flux. Cation flux across the polycation clusters is greatly inhibited because of intensified charge repulsion. However, anions transport across polycation clusters is amplified. Our research underscores the potential of daily cycling humidity as a reliable energy source to trigger ion current and convert it into electrical current.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanyuan Zhao & Ju Liu & Gang Lu & Jinliang Zhang & Liyang Wan & Shan Peng & Chao Li & Yanlei Wang & Mingzhan Wang & Hongyan He & John H. Xin & Yulong Ding & Shuang Zheng, 2024. "Diurnal humidity cycle driven selective ion transport across clustered polycation membrane," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-51505-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51505-4
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