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Mehta SK, Deb D, Nandy A, Shen AQ, Mondal PK. Maximizing blue energy: the role of ion partitioning in nanochannel systems. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2024. [PMID: 39036903 DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01671h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
This study describes a numerical analysis on blue energy generation using a charged nanochannel with an integrated pH-sensitive polyelectrolyte layer (PEL), considering ion partitioning effects due to permittivity differences. The mathematical model for ionic and fluidic transport is solved using the finite element method, and the model validation is performed against existing theoretical and experimental results. The study investigates the influence of electrolyte concentration, permittivity ratio, and salt types (KCl, BeCl2, AlCl3) on the energy conversion process. The findings illustrate the substantial role of ion partitioning in modulating ionic concentration and potential fields, thereby affecting current profiles and energy conversion efficiencies. Remarkably, overlooking ion partitioning leads to significant overestimations of power density, highlighting the necessity of this consideration for accurate device performance predictions. This work introduces a promising configuration that achieves higher power densities, paving the way for the next generation of efficient energy-harvesting devices. The findings offer valuable insights into the development of state-of-the-art blue energy harvesting nanofluidic devices, advancing sustainable energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Kumar Mehta
- Microfluidics and Microscale Transport Processes Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati - 781039, India.
- School of Agro and Rural Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati - 781039, India
| | - Debarthy Deb
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar - 788010, India
| | - Adhiraj Nandy
- Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, National Institute of Technology Silchar, Silchar - 788010, India
| | - Amy Q Shen
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
| | - Pranab Kumar Mondal
- Microfluidics and Microscale Transport Processes Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati - 781039, India.
- Micro/Bio/Nanofluidics Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University, Okinawa 904-0495, Japan
- School of Agro and Rural Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati - 781039, India
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2
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Wang W, Liang Y, Ma Y, Shi D, Xie Y. Memristive Characteristics in an Asymmetrically Charged Nanochannel. J Phys Chem Lett 2024; 15:6852-6858. [PMID: 38917304 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
The emergent nanofluidic memristor provides a promising way of emulating neuromorphic functions in the brain. The conical-shaped nanopore showed promising features for a nanofluidic memristor, inspiring us to investigate the memory effects in asymmetrically charged nanochannels due to their high current rectification, which may result in good memory effects. Here, the memory effects of an asymmetrically charged nanofluidic channel were numerically simulated by Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations. Our results showed that the I-V curves represented a diode in low scanning frequency and then became a memristor and finally a resistor as frequency increased. We successfully replicated the learning behavior in our system with history-dependent ion redistribution in the nanochannel. Some critical factors were quantitatively analyzed for the memory effects including voltage amplitude, optimal frequency, and Dukhin number. Experimental characterizations were also carried out. Our findings are useful for the design of nanofluidic memristors by the principle of enrichment and depletion as well as the determination of the best memory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710129, P. R. China
| | - Yizheng Liang
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710129, P. R. China
| | - Yu Ma
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710129, P. R. China
| | - Deli Shi
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710129, P. R. China
| | - Yanbo Xie
- School of Aeronautics and Institute of Extreme Mechanics, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710072, P. R. China
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3
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Sun Y, Jiang R, Hu L, Song Y, Li M. Electrokinetic transport phenomena in nanofluidics and their applications. Electrophoresis 2023; 44:1756-1773. [PMID: 37438973 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Much progress has been made in the electrokinetic phenomena inside nanochannels in the last decades. As the dimensions of the nanochannels are compatible to that of the electric double layer (EDL), the electrokinetics inside nanochannels indicate many unexpected behaviors, which show great potential in the fields of material science, biology, and chemistry. This review summarizes the recent development of nanofluidic electrokinetics in both fundamental and applied research. First, the techniques for constructing nanochannels are introduced to give a guideline for choosing the optimal fabrication technique based on the specific feature of the nanochannel. Then, the theories and experimental investigations of the EDL, electroosmotic flow, and electrophoresis of nanoparticles inside the nanochannels are discussed. Furthermore, the applications of nanofluidic electrokinetics in iontronics, sensing, and biomolecule separation fields are summarized. In Section 5, some critical challenges and the perspective on the future development of nanofluidic electrokinetics are briefly proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Sun
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Rui Jiang
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Lide Hu
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Yongxin Song
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
| | - Mengqi Li
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning, P. R. China
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Li J, Li M, Zhang K, Hu L, Li D. High-Performance Integrated Iontronic Circuits Based on Single Nano/Microchannels. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2208079. [PMID: 36869414 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202208079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Recently, artificial channel-based ionic diodes and transistors are extensively studied to mimic biological systems. Most of them are constructed vertically and are challenging to be further integrated. Several examples of ionic circuits with horizontal ionic diodes are reported. However, they generally require nanoscale channel sizes to meet the demand for ion-selectivity, resulting in low current output and restricting potential applications. In this paper, a novel ionic diode is developed based on multiple-layer polyelectrolyte nanochannel network membranes. Both bipolar and unipolar ionic diodes can be achieved by simply switching the modification solution. Ionic diodes with a high rectification ratio of ≈226 are achieved in single channels with the largest channel size of 2.5 µm. This design can significantly reduce the channel size requirement and improve the output current level of ionic devices. The high-performance ionic diode with a horizontal structure enables the integration of advanced iontronic circuits. Ionic transistors, logic gates, and rectifiers are fabricated on a single chip and demonstrated for current rectification. Furthermore, the excellent current rectification ratio and the high output current of the on-chip ionic devices highlight the promise of the ionic diode as a component of complex iontronic systems for practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Mengqi Li
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116026, China
| | - Kaiping Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lide Hu
- Department of Marine Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116026, China
| | - Dongqing Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
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Sabbagh B, Fraiman NE, Fish A, Yossifon G. Designing with Iontronic Logic Gates─From a Single Polyelectrolyte Diode to an Integrated Ionic Circuit. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:23361-23370. [PMID: 37068481 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
This article presents the implementation of on-chip iontronic circuits via small-scale integration of multiple ionic logic gates made of bipolar polyelectrolyte diodes. These ionic circuits are analogous to solid-state electronic circuits, with ions as the charge carriers instead of electrons/holes. We experimentally characterize the responses of a single fluidic diode made of a junction of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (i.e., anion and cation exchange membranes), with a similar underlying mechanism as a solid-state p- and n-type junction. This served to carry out predesigned logical computations in various architectures by integrating multiple diode-based logic gates, where the electrical signal between the integrated gates was transmitted entirely through ions. The findings shed light on the limitations affecting the number of logic gates that can be integrated, the degradation of the electrical signal, their transient response, and the design rules that can improve the performance of iontronic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barak Sabbagh
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Noa Edri Fraiman
- Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Alex Fish
- Faculty of Engineering, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 5290002, Israel
| | - Gilad Yossifon
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Li J, Zhang K, Li D. pH-Regulated Ionic Diode Based on an Asymmetric Shaped Multiple-Layer Polymer Membrane. Anal Chem 2023; 95:1419-1427. [PMID: 36534674 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Smart artificial ion channels with tunable properties have wide applications in many fields to achieve ion transport manipulation. Most reported artificial ions are constructed with vertical structures, limiting the further integration of ionic diodes into complex iontronic systems. Inspired by the asymmetric concentration polarization induced by the asymmetric geometry of nanochannels, a novel method is developed to construct horizontally arranged and pH-regulated ionic diodes in nanofluidic chips by self-assembling pH-responsive polymers. The effects of the fabrication and operation parameters on the performance of the ionic diode are systematically investigated. The current rectification ratio of the ionic diode can be modulated flexibly by regulating the pH conditions of the working fluid. An ionic diode bridge circuit for rectifying alternating current signals is built in a single nanofluidic chip and demonstrated, highlighting the feasibility of the ionic diode for complex iontronic system integration. The method presented in this paper provides a promising platform for the development of smart nanofluidic iontronic devices with widespread applicability in biological analysis, sensing, and logic computing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, OntarioN2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kaiping Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, OntarioN2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Dongqing Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, OntarioN2L 3G1, Canada
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Ratschow AD, Pandey D, Liebchen B, Bhattacharyya S, Hardt S. Resonant Nanopumps: ac Gate Voltages in Conical Nanopores Induce Directed Electrolyte Flow. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 129:264501. [PMID: 36608199 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.129.264501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Inducing transport in electrolyte-filled nanopores with dc fields has led to influential applications ranging from nanosensors to DNA sequencing. Here we use the Poisson-Nernst-Planck and Navier-Stokes equations to show that unbiased ac fields can induce comparable directional flows in gated conical nanopores. This flow exclusively occurs at intermediate driving frequencies and hinges on the resonance of two competing timescales, representing space charge development at the ends and in the interior of the pore. We summarize the physics of resonant nanopumping in an analytical model that reproduces the results of numerical simulations. Our findings provide a generic route toward real-time controllable flow patterns, which might find applications in controlling the translocation of small molecules or nanocolloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron D Ratschow
- Institute for Nano- and Microfluidics, TU Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 10, D-64237 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Doyel Pandey
- Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India-721302
| | - Benno Liebchen
- Theory of Soft Matter, Department of Physics, TU Darmstadt, Hochschulstraße 12, D-64289 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Somnath Bhattacharyya
- Department of Mathematics, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, India-721302
| | - Steffen Hardt
- Institute for Nano- and Microfluidics, TU Darmstadt, Alarich-Weiss-Straße 10, D-64237 Darmstadt, Germany
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Li J, Zhang K, Zhao X, Li D. Single Artificial Ion Channels with Tunable Ion Transport Based on the Surface Modification of pH-Responsive Polymers. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:27130-27139. [PMID: 35670465 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c03949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Artificial ion channels with tunable ionic transport control and intelligent iontronic functions at the nanoscale have a wide application in logic computing and biosensing. Although some artificial ion channels with smart ion transport characteristics have been developed, most of them are constructed on porous membranes with undefined channel numbers. It is still challenging to achieve multiple ion transport features in single nanochannels and to control the ion flow more accurately with excellent repeatability. In this paper, a design strategy is presented to fabricate pH-responsive ion channels with various ion transport features based on a single polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanochannel. The single-ion nanochannel developed by this approach can be further integrated into electronic systems on a chip. Three types of artificial ion channels are demonstrated and investigated systematically in this work. With symmetric or asymmetric pH stimuli, these ion channels can alternatively change their working states among an opened state, a closed state, and an ionic diode state. Four different ion transport features can be realized in a triple-gated ion channel system. With these advantages of the design, it is promising to build smart nanofluidic iontronic devices with widespread applicability in energy conversions, active ion transport control, and biological analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Kaiping Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Xiaoye Zhao
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Dongqing Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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Li J, Li D. Integrated Iontronic Circuits Based on Single Nanochannels. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:48208-48218. [PMID: 34585930 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c12324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This article presents an invention of iontronic circuits to achieve effective electronic signal manipulation base on paralleled single polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanochannels. The regulation of ion transport through the designed device is achieved by the asymmetrical decoration of charged polyelectrolytes on nanochannels. This circuit can serve as either a bipolar junction transistor or an ionic rectifier. The functionalities of the circuit are demonstrated and confirmed in different operation modes. The fabrication of this device is relatively simple. High accuracy in signal rectification can be obtained through the circuit because of the significant consistency of integrated ionic diodes. The iontronic integrated circuits presented in this paper provide new possibilities in the fabrication of iontronic devices with various functionalities on PDMS chips, toward improved biological computing and sensing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Dongqing Li
- Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
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