Ternary Molecular Co‐Assembling Heterogeneous Membranes for High‐Efficiency and Anti‐Biofouling Osmotic Energy Conversion
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Low‐cost access to abundant, green osmotic energy through nanofluidic membranes holds promise to solve the economic, energy, and environmental trilemma. Despite considerable promising explorations, developing a nanofluidic membrane with ease of fabrication, high performance, and superior biofouling resistance remains a challenge. Here, a unique ternary molecular co‐assembly strategy is presented to provide a solution. L‐glutathione, Ag + ions, and histamine can co‐assemble into twisted nanofibers through coordination and cross‐linking. The co‐assembly within anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) nanochannels, reinforced by polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), creates a heterogeneous membrane (AAO@GHAg/PVA) characterized by enhanced stability and mechanical strength. The AAO@GHAg/PVA membrane features asymmetric nanochannels that facilitate anion‐selective unidirectional transport, achieving a peak output power density of 17.5 W·m −2 under a 50‐fold salinity gradient. The inclusion of Ag endows AAO@GHAg/PVA with superior biofouling resistance, allowing it to maintain a maximum power density of 16.6 W·m −2 in a real seawater/river water environment. Interestingly, replacing histamine with spermine further boosts performance to 21.4 W·m −2 , demonstrating the extensibility of the molecular precursors. This work opens up a new avenue for the facile construction of high‐efficiency nanofluidic membranes for osmotic energy harvesting.
Source: Advanced Science
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,730
OpenAlex ID: W4412380885