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Laucirica G, Hernández Parra LM, Huamani AL, Wagner MF, Albesa AG, Toimil-Molares ME, Marmisollé W, Azzaroni O. Insight into the transport of ions from salts of moderated solubility through nanochannels: negative incremental resistance assisted by geometry. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:12599-12610. [PMID: 38869491 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr06212k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
In this study, the transport of salt with moderate solubility through bioinspired solid-state nanochannels was comprehensively investigated. For this purpose, bullet-shaped channels were fabricated and exposed to KClO4, a monovalent salt with moderate solubility. These channels displayed the typical rectifying behavior characteristic of asymmetrical channels but with one remarkable difference, the iontronic output exhibited a negative incremental resistance phenomenon of high gating efficiency when the transmembrane voltage in the open state was increased enough, giving rise to an inactivated state characterized by a low and stable ion current. The behavior is attributed to salt precipitation inside the channel and remarkably, it is not observed in other geometries such as cylindrical or cigar-shaped channels. Considering the central role of the surface in precipitation formation, the influence of several parameters such as electrolyte concentration, pH, and channel size was studied. Under optimized conditions, this system can alternate among three different conductance states (closed, open, and inactivated) and exhibits gating ratios higher than 20. Beyond its potential application in fields related to electronics or sensing, this study provides valuable insight into the fundamental principles behind ion rectifying behavior in solid-state channels and highlights the implications of surface phenomena at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregorio Laucirica
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CONICET, CC 16 Suc. 4, La Plata B1904DPI, Argentina.
| | - L Miguel Hernández Parra
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CONICET, CC 16 Suc. 4, La Plata B1904DPI, Argentina.
| | - Angel L Huamani
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CONICET, CC 16 Suc. 4, La Plata B1904DPI, Argentina.
| | - Michael F Wagner
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Alberto G Albesa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CONICET, CC 16 Suc. 4, La Plata B1904DPI, Argentina.
| | - María Eugenia Toimil-Molares
- GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung, 64291, Darmstadt, Germany
- Technische Universität Darmstadt, Materialwissenschaft, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Waldemar Marmisollé
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CONICET, CC 16 Suc. 4, La Plata B1904DPI, Argentina.
| | - Omar Azzaroni
- Instituto de Investigaciones Fisicoquímicas Teóricas y Aplicadas (INIFTA), Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CONICET, CC 16 Suc. 4, La Plata B1904DPI, Argentina.
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Yi H, Almatrafi E, Ma D, Huo X, Qin L, Li L, Zhou X, Zhou C, Zeng G, Lai C. Spatial confinement: A green pathway to promote the oxidation processes for organic pollutants removal from water. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119719. [PMID: 36801583 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Organic pollutants removal from water is pressing owing to the great demand for clean water. Oxidation processes (OPs) are the commonly used method. However, the efficiency of most OPs is limited owing to the poor mass transfer process. Spatial confinement is a burgeoning way to solve this limitation by use of nanoreactor. Spatial confinement in OPs would (i) alter the transport characteristics of protons and charges; (ii) bring about molecular orientation and rearrangement; (iii) cause the dynamic redistribution of active sites in catalyst and reduce the entropic barrier that is high in unconfined space. So far, spatial confinement has been utilized for various OPs, such as Fenton, persulfate, and photocatalytic oxidation. A comprehensive summary and discussion on the fundamental mechanisms of spatial confinement mediated OPs is needed. Herein, the application, performance and mechanisms of spatial confinement mediated OPs are overviewed firstly. Subsequently, the features of spatial confinement and their effects on OPs are discussed in detail. Furthermore, environmental influences (including environmental pH, organic matter and inorganic ions) are studied with analyzing their intrinsic connection with the features of spatial confinement in OPs. Lastly, challenges and future development direction of spatial confinement mediated OPs are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yi
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China; Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Eydhah Almatrafi
- Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Dengsheng Ma
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Xiuqing Huo
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Lei Qin
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Ling Li
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Xuerong Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China
| | - Chengyun Zhou
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China; Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Guangming Zeng
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China; Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Cui Lai
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Hunan University and Key Laboratory of Environmental Biology and Pollution Control (Hunan University), Ministry of Education, Changsha, 410082, P.R. China; Center of Research Excellence in Renewable Energy and Power Systems, Center of Excellence in Desalination Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering-Rabigh, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.
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Dartoomi H, Khatibi M, Ashrafizadeh SN. Enhanced Ionic Current Rectification through Innovative Integration of Polyelectrolyte Bilayers and Charged-Wall Smart Nanochannels. Anal Chem 2023; 95:1522-1531. [PMID: 36537870 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c04559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The tools utilized by humans continue to shrink and speed up. Lab-on-a-chip (LOC) is one of the most recent techniques for decreasing the size of chemical systems. Today, LOCs have made substantial strides in developing nanomaterial fabrication techniques. Controlling and regulating the fluid and ion mobility in these systems is crucial. Layer-by-layer (LBL) soft layers are one of the most effective strategies for controlling fluid flow in channels. In light of the present constraints for developing these systems and the high expense of experimental investigations, it is vital to employ modeling to minimize costs and comprehend their underlying ideas and operations. In this study, we examined the influence of the LBL soft layer's presence in the charged nanochannels on the ion transport parameters. To examine the effect of the coating length of the LBL soft layer, we first examined three lengths of coating: one with a length greater than half (type (I)), one with a length equal to half (type (II)), and one with a length less than half (type (III)) of the nanochannel length. Then, by solving Poisson-Nernst-Planck and Navier-Stokes equations, we determined the influences of pH, soft layer charge density (NPEL/NA), bulk concentration (C0), and hard surface charge density (σ) on the ionic current rectification (Rf) and selectivity (S) of the nanochannel. The maximum rectification of 30.65 was achieved using a nanochannel of type (III) and σ = +10 mC/m2. The current results demonstrate a promising hybrid architecture consisting of an LBL soft layer and a smart charged nanochannel for enhanced rectification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Dartoomi
- Research Lab for Advanced Separation Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran16846-13114, Iran
| | - Mahdi Khatibi
- Research Lab for Advanced Separation Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran16846-13114, Iran
| | - Seyed Nezameddin Ashrafizadeh
- Research Lab for Advanced Separation Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Iran University of Science and Technology, Narmak, Tehran16846-13114, Iran
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Ma S, Hou Y, Hao J, Lin C, Zhao J, Sui X. Well-Defined Nanostructures by Block Copolymers and Mass Transport Applications in Energy Conversion. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14214568. [PMID: 36365562 PMCID: PMC9655174 DOI: 10.3390/polym14214568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
With the speedy progress in the research of nanomaterials, self-assembly technology has captured the high-profile interest of researchers because of its simplicity and ease of spontaneous formation of a stable ordered aggregation system. The self-assembly of block copolymers can be precisely regulated at the nanoscale to overcome the physical limits of conventional processing techniques. This bottom-up assembly strategy is simple, easy to control, and associated with high density and high order, which is of great significance for mass transportation through membrane materials. In this review, to investigate the regulation of block copolymer self-assembly structures, we systematically explored the factors that affect the self-assembly nanostructure. After discussing the formation of nanostructures of diverse block copolymers, this review highlights block copolymer-based mass transport membranes, which play the role of “energy enhancers” in concentration cells, fuel cells, and rechargeable batteries. We firmly believe that the introduction of block copolymers can facilitate the novel energy conversion to an entirely new plateau, and the research can inform a new generation of block copolymers for more promotion and improvement in new energy applications.
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Pardehkhorram R, Andrieu-Brunsen A. Pushing the limits of nanopore transport performance by polymer functionalization. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:5188-5204. [PMID: 35394003 DOI: 10.1039/d2cc01164f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by the design and performance of biological pores, polymer functionalization of nanopores has emerged as an evolving field to advance transport performance within the last few years. This feature article outlines developments in nanopore functionalization and the resulting transport performance including gating based on electrostatic interaction, wettability and ligand binding, gradual transport controlled by polymerization as well as functionalization-based asymmetric nanopore and nanoporous material design going towards the transport direction. Pushing the limits of nanopore transport performance and thus reducing the performance gap between biological and technological pores is strongly related to advances in polymerization chemistry and their translation into nanopore functionalization. Thereby, the effect of the spatial confinement has to be considered for polymer functionalization as well as for transport regulation, and mechanistic understanding is strongly increased by combining experiment and theory. A full mechanistic understanding together with highly precise nanopore structure design and polymer functionalization is not only expected to improve existing application of nanoporous materials but also opens the door to new technologies. The latter might include out of equilibrium devices, ionic circuits, or machine learning based sensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Pardehkhorram
- Macromolecular Chemistry, Smart Membranes, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
| | - Annette Andrieu-Brunsen
- Macromolecular Chemistry, Smart Membranes, Technical University of Darmstadt, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany.
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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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Wang J, Zhou Y, Jiang L. Bio-inspired Track-Etched Polymeric Nanochannels: Steady-State Biosensors for Detection of Analytes. ACS NANO 2021; 15:18974-19013. [PMID: 34846138 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c08582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Bio-inspired polymeric nanochannel (also referred as nanopore)-based biosensors have attracted considerable attention on account of their controllable channel size and shape, multi-functional surface chemistry, unique ionic transport properties, and good robustness for applications. There are already very informative reviews on the latest developments in solid-state artificial nanochannel-based biosensors, however, which concentrated on the resistive-pulse sensing-based sensors for practical applications. The steady-state sensing-based nanochannel biosensors, in principle, have significant advantages over their counterparts in term of high sensitivity, fast response, target analytes with no size limit, and extensive suitable range. Furthermore, among the diverse materials, nanochannels based on polymeric materials perform outstandingly, due to flexible fabrication and wide application. This compressive Review summarizes the recent advances in bio-inspired polymeric nanochannels as sensing platforms for detection of important analytes in living organisms, to meet the high demand for high-performance biosensors for analysis of target analytes, and the potential for development of smart sensing devices. In the future, research efforts can be focused on transport mechanisms in the field of steady-state or resistive-pulse nanochannel-based sensors and on developing precisely size-controlled, robust, miniature and reusable, multi-functional, and high-throughput biosensors for practical applications. Future efforts should aim at a deeper understanding of the principles at the molecular level and incorporating these diverse pore architectures into homogeneous and defect-free multi-channel membrane systems. With the rapid advancement of nanoscience and biotechnology, we believe that many more achievements in nanochannel-based biosensors could be achieved in the near future, serving people in a better way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wang
- College of Materials and Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Chengdu University of Technology, Chengdu 610059, People's Republic of China
| | - Yahong Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interface Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interface Science, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Smart Interfacial Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, School of Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
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Abu-Rjal R, Green Y. Bipolar Nanochannels: A Systematic Approach to Asymmetric Problems. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:27622-27634. [PMID: 34080433 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c05643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nanofluidic diodes are capable of rectifying the electrical current by several orders of magnitude. In the current state of affairs, determining the rectification factor is not possible as it depends on many system parameters. In this work, we systematically scan the effects of geometry and excess counterion concentrations (i.e., surface charge effects). We show that the current-voltage response varies between the two extreme behaviors of unipolar and bipolar responses. The exact behavior depends on the geometry and surface charge properties of the system. Here, we have gone beyond the typical setup that only considers the dynamics within the nanochannel itself and we have included the effects of the adjoining microchannels. Systems that include both nanochannels and microchannels exhibit the classical signatures of concentration polarization, such as ionic depletion and enrichment. Here, where we have scanned a wide range of parameters, we show that bipolar and semi-bipolar systems exhibit a wider range of phenomena that are intrinsically more complicated. Our system characterization is for both, the much more investigated case of steady state and the less investigated, but equally interesting, time-transient case. For example, it is common to characterize the system by its steady-state result (current-voltage response, rectification factor, and transport number). Here, we demonstrate that the time-transient behavior of the fluxes can also be used to characterize the system, and that the time-dependent rectification factors and transport numbers are meaningful. The systematic approach taken in this work, and the results presented herein, can be used to further elucidate the complicated behavior of the current-voltage response of nanofluidic diodes and to rationalize experimental results. The insights of this work can be used to enhance and improve the design of all nanofluidic diodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramadan Abu-Rjal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Micro- and Nanofluidics Laboratory, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Yoav Green
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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