Diurnal humidity cycle driven selective ion transport across clustered polycation membrane

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 and Shuang Zheng ()
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Yuanyuan Zhao: Renmin University of China
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
Chao Li: Beihang University
Yanlei Wang: Renmin University of China
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

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

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51505-4

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