Precision ion separation via self-assembled channels

Shanshan Hong, Maria Vincenzo, Alberto Tiraferri, Erica Bertozzi, Radosław Górecki, Bambar Davaasuren, Xiang Li and Suzana P. Nunes ()
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Shanshan Hong: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Maria Vincenzo: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Alberto Tiraferri: Politecnico di Torino
Erica Bertozzi: Politecnico di Torino
Radosław Górecki: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Bambar Davaasuren: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Xiang Li: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Suzana P. Nunes: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Selective nanofiltration membranes with accurate molecular sieving offer a solution to recover rare metals and other valuable elements from brines. However, the development of membranes with precise sub-nanometer pores is challenging. Here, we report a scalable approach for membrane fabrication in which functionalized macrocycles are seamlessly oriented via supramolecular interactions during the interfacial polycondensation on a polyacrylonitrile support layer. The rational incorporation of macrocycles enables the formation of nanofilms with self-assembled channels holding precise molecular sieving capabilities and a threshold of 6.6 ångström, which corresponds to the macrocycle cavity size. The resulting membranes provide a 100-fold increase in selectivity for Li+/Mg2+ separation, outperforming commercially available and state-of-the-art nanocomposite membranes for lithium recovery. Their performance is further assessed in high-recovery tests under realistic nanofiltration conditions using simulated brines or concentrated seawater with various Li+ levels and demonstrates their remarkable potential in ion separation and Li+ recovery applications.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47083-0

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