Bioinspired Dual-Driven Binary Heterogeneous Nanofluidic Ionic Diodes

Langmuir. 2022 Oct 18;38(41):12450-12456. doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c01570. Epub 2022 Oct 5.

Abstract

Recently, bioinspired 2D material-based nanofluidic systems with unique properties and advantages have been receiving considerable research interest and getting rapid development. However, it remains a huge challenge to integrate adaptive responsiveness to external stimuli and asymmetric ion transport characteristics into the 2D nanofluidic systems. Herein, we report a dual-driven switchable asymmetric ionic transport phenomenon through a graphene oxide-based heterogeneous 2D nanofluidic membrane. Taking advantage of the formation of a charge heterojunction induced by the variation of pH or UV irradiation, a maximum ionic current rectification (ICR) ratio of ca. 56 for pH or 140 for light was achieved. Such smart nanofluidic devices with pH and light dual-responsiveness and asymmetric ion transport behaviors provide a universal strategy for potential applications in chemical sensing, water treatment, and energy conversion and establish a promising platform for exploring advanced quantum ionics biodevices with ultrafast signal transmission, nanochannel-structured bioreactors with high efficiency, etc.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetic Materials* / chemistry
  • Ion Transport
  • Ions / chemistry
  • Nanostructures* / chemistry

Substances

  • Ions