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Du L, Li J, Kong X, Lu D, Liu Z, Guo W. Understanding the K +/Na +-Selectivity-Enabled Osmotic Power Generation: High Selectivity May Not Be Indispensable. J Phys Chem Lett 2024:7755-7762. [PMID: 39046908 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c01689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
By mixing ionic solutions, considerable energy can be harvested from entropy change. Recently, we proposed a concept of potassium-permselectivity enabled osmotic power generation (PoPee-OPG) by mixing equimolar KCl and NaCl solutions via artificial potassium ion channels (APICs, Natl. Sci. Rev. 2023, 10, nwad260). However, a fundamental understanding of the relationship between the K+/Na+ selectivity and optimal performance remains unexplored. Herein, we establish a primitive molecular thermodynamic model to investigate the energy extraction process. We find PoPee-OPG differs from previous charge-selectivity-based techniques, such as the salinity gradient power generation, in two distinct ways. First, the extractable energy density and efficiency positively depend on concentration. More surprisingly, a very high potassium selectivity is not indispensable for satisfactory efficiency and energy density. An optimal K+/Na+ selectivity region of 3 to 10 is found. This somewhat counterintuitive discovery provides a renewed understanding of the emerging PoPee-OPG, and it predicts a broad applicability among existing APICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linhan Du
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08540, United States
| | - Jipeng Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xian Kong
- School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Diannan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Center for Quantum Physics and Intelligent Sciences, Department of Physics, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048, China
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Li J, Du L, Kong X, Wu J, Lu D, Jiang L, Guo W. Designing artificial ion channels with strict K +/Na + selectivity toward next-generation electric-eel-mimetic ionic power generation. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad260. [PMID: 37954195 PMCID: PMC10632797 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A biological potassium channel is >1000 times more permeable to K+ than to Na+ and exhibits a giant permeation rate of ∼108 ions/s. It is a great challenge to construct artificial potassium channels with such high selectivity and ion conduction rate. Herein, we unveil a long-overlooked structural feature that underpins the ultra-high K+/Na+ selectivity. By carrying out massive molecular dynamics simulation for ion transport through carbonyl-oxygen-modified bi-layer graphene nanopores, we find that the twisted carbonyl rings enable strict potassium selectivity with a dynamic K+/Na+ selectivity ratio of 1295 and a K+ conduction rate of 3.5 × 107 ions/s, approaching those of the biological counterparts. Intriguingly, atomic trajectories of K+ permeation events suggest a dual-ion transport mode, i.e. two like-charged potassium ions are successively captured by the nanopores in the graphene bi-layer and are interconnected by sharing one or two interlayer water molecules. The dual-ion behavior allows rapid release of the exiting potassium ion via a soft knock-on mechanism, which has previously been found only in biological ion channels. As a proof-of-concept utilization of this discovery, we propose a novel way for ionic power generation by mixing KCl and NaCl solutions through the bi-layer graphene nanopores, termed potassium-permselectivity enabled osmotic power generation (PoPee-OPG). Theoretically, the biomimetic device achieves a very high power density of >1000 W/m2 with graphene sheets of <1% porosity. This study provides a blueprint for artificial potassium channels and thus paves the way toward next-generation electric-eel-mimetic ionic power generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jipeng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Resource Utilization in South China Sea, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou570228, China
| | - Linhan Du
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Xian Kong
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou510640, China
| | - Jianzhong Wu
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Riverside, CA92521, USA
| | - Diannan Lu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing100084, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, Beijing100191, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, Beijing100191, China
- Center for Quantum Physics and Intelligent Sciences, Department of Physics, Capital Normal University, Beijing100048, China
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Rahimi Z, Koslowski T, Lohrasebi A. Water purification modeling by functionalized hourglass-shape multilayer nano-channel. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 125:108599. [PMID: 37586129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, inspired by the overall structure and operation of the aquaporin channel, graphene-based nanochannels are proposed to be used as potential membranes for the water purification process. To this end, an hourglass-shaped channel has been designed using the three-layer porous graphene sheets and the effects of some main channel's elements, such as the channel bending angle and attached functional groups to it, on the filtration performance have been examined by using molecular dynamics simulations. We find that a suitable bending channel shape can improve the channel efficiency, i.e. both the water permeability and the ion rejection rate of the suitable bent channels were more than for the straight channels. In addition, regarding the different functionalized channels, the half-functionalized channels were more efficient than the completed functionalized ones. Furthermore, by monitoring the dynamics of water molecules as they pass through the narrowest part of the channels, it was found that water molecule rotation assists water transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Rahimi
- Department of Physics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, 8174673441, Iran; Institute for Physical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 21, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thorsten Koslowski
- Institute for Physical Chemistry, University of Freiburg, Albertstrasse 21, D-79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Amir Lohrasebi
- Department of Physics, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, 8174673441, Iran.
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Kan X, Wu C, Wen L, Jiang L. Biomimetic Nanochannels: From Fabrication Principles to Theoretical Insights. SMALL METHODS 2022; 6:e2101255. [PMID: 35218163 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202101255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biological nanochannels which can regulate ionic transport across cell membranes intelligently play a significant role in physiological functions. Inspired by these nanochannels, numerous artificial nanochannels have been developed during recent years. The exploration of smart solid-state nanochannels can lay a solid foundation, not only for fundamental studies of biological systems but also practical applications in various fields. The basic fabrication principles, functional materials, and diverse applications based on artificial nanochannels are summarized in this review. In addition, theoretical insights into transport mechanisms and structure-function relationships are discussed. Meanwhile, it is believed that improvements will be made via computer-guided strategy in designing more efficient devices with upgrading accuracy. Finally, some remaining challenges and perspectives for developments in both novel conceptions and technology of this inspiring research field are stated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaonan Kan
- College of Polymer Science and Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, P. R. China
| | - Chenyu Wu
- Qingdao Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences, Institute of Frontier and Interdisciplinary Science, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, P. R. China
| | - Liping Wen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
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Chen S, Ding J, Li Q, He D, Liu Y, Wang L, Lyu Q, Wang M. Control one-dimensional length of rectangular pore on graphene membrane for better desalination performance. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 33:245705. [PMID: 35263720 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6528/ac5c15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
At present, there is a general contradiction between permeability and selectivity of reverse osmosis (RO) membranes for desalination; a membrane with higher water permeability will give a lower salt rejection or selectivity, and vice versa. In this work, single-layer nanoporous graphene is used as RO membrane to investigate the effects of pore shape to reduce this contradiction by molecular dynamics simulations. Two kinds of pores (round and rectangular pores) with different sizes are simulated. For round pore, although the water permeability increases with the increase of the pore size, the salt rejection rate drops rapidly. For rectangular pore, reasonable designed pore structure can achieve improved water permeability and high salt rejection of graphene membrane by keeping one-dimensional length (i.e. the width) of the pore less than the size of the hydrated ions and increasing the other dimensional length. The restriction of one dimension can prevent the passage of hydrated ions through the pore effectively. This 'one-dimensional restriction' provides a simple strategy for designing RO membrane with variable pore structures to obtain a better desalination performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenghui Chen
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Ding
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanjiang Li
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Di He
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanli Liu
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Lyu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Petroleum (East China), Qingdao, Shandong 266580, People's Republic of China
| | - Meishan Wang
- School of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
- School of Integrated Circuits, Ludong University, Yantai 264025, People's Republic of China
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Alinezhad A, Khatibi M, Nezameddin Ashrafizadeh S. Impact of asymmetry soft layers and ion partitioning on ionic current rectification in bipolar nanochannels. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2021.118324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Pan X, Qin Y, Deng J, Wang S, Gao Q, Zhu Y, Yang Z, Lu X. Molecular insights on Ca2+/Na+ separation via graphene-based nanopores: The role of electrostatic interactions to ionic dehydration. Chin J Chem Eng 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjche.2021.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Fang T, Li S, Zhang Y, Su Y, Yan Y, Zhang J. How the oil recovery in deep oil reservoirs is affected by injected gas types: A molecular dynamics simulation study. Chem Eng Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2020.116286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Zhang L, Li W, Zhang M, Chen S. Self-assembly of graphene oxide sheets: the key step toward highly efficient desalination. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:20749-20758. [PMID: 33030196 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr05548d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Lamellar graphene oxide (GO) membranes are new membrane materials for seawater desalination due to their selective sub-nanometer interlayer two-dimensional channels. In general, the reliable and precise desalination of GO membranes is still heavily dependent on thick membranes that usually have a low water flux. The trade-off between the water flux and ion rejection is a long-lasting problem that restricts the development of highly efficient desalination membranes. In this work, we theoretically predicted that this trade-off can be broken by the self-assembly of GO sheets during the membrane preparation. Our molecular dynamics (MD) simulations indicate that the high-water permeability of the GO membrane is due to the frictionless flow of water in the 2D nanochannels enclosed by the non-oxidized regions of neighboring GO sheets, while the oxidized regions are responsible for the high ion rejection rate. Meanwhile, the MD simulations of the self-assembly processes of GO sheets in aqueous solutions just demonstrate that the oxidized regions of neighboring GO sheets are prone to stacking with each other, while the non-oxidized regions of neighboring GO sheets are inclined to matching with each other. Therefore, more interlayer nanochannels for fast water flow and ion rejection will be formed, respectively, after the full assembly of GO sheets during membrane preparation. Finally, based on our results, a new but simple method has been proposed to prepare GO membranes with superior desalination performance via deposition rate control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China.
| | - Wen Li
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China.
| | - Mutian Zhang
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China.
| | - Shougang Chen
- School of Materials Science & Engineering, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, PR China.
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