Unlocking osmotic energy harvesting potential in challenging real-world hypersaline environments through vermiculite-based hetero-nanochannels

Jin Wang (), Zheng Cui, Shangzhen Li, Zeyuan Song, Miaolu He, Danxi Huang, Yuan Feng, YanZheng Liu, Ke Zhou (), Xudong Wang and Lei Wang ()
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Jin Wang: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Zheng Cui: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Shangzhen Li: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Zeyuan Song: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Miaolu He: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Danxi Huang: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Yuan Feng: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
YanZheng Liu: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Ke Zhou: Soochow University
Xudong Wang: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology
Lei Wang: Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Nanochannel membranes have demonstrated remarkable potential for osmotic energy harvesting; however, their efficiency in practical high-salinity systems is hindered by reduced ion selectivity. Here, we propose a dual-separation transport strategy by constructing a two-dimensional (2D) vermiculite (VMT)-based heterogeneous nanofluidic system via an eco-friendly and scalable method. The cations are initially separated and enriched in micropores of substrates during the transmembrane diffusion, followed by secondary precise sieving in ultra-thin VMT laminates with high ion flux. Resultantly, our nanofluidic system demonstrates efficient osmotic energy harvesting performance, especially in hypersaline environment. Notably, we achieve a maximum power density of 33.76 W m−2, a 6.2-fold improvement with a ten-fold increase in salinity gradient, surpassing state-of-the-art nanochannel membranes under challenging conditions. Additionally, we confirm practical hypersaline osmotic power generation using various natural salt-lake brines, achieving a power density of 25.9 W m−2. This work triggers the hopes for practical blue energy conversion using advanced nanoarchitecture.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44434-1

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