A Charge-Density-Tunable Three/Two-Dimensional Polymer/Graphene Oxide Heterogeneous Nanoporous Membrane for Ion Transport

Abstract

The design and fabrication of a robust nanoporous membrane in large scale is still a challenge and is of fundamental importance for practical applications. Here, a robust three/two-dimensional polymer/graphene oxide heterogeneous nanoporous membrane is constructed in large scale via the self-assembly approach by chemically designing a robust charge-density-tunable nanoporous ionomer with uniform pore size. To obtain a nanoporous polymer that maintains high mechanical strength and promotes multifunctionality, we designed a series of amphiphilic copolymers by introducing a positively charged pyridine moiety into the engineered polymer polyphenylsulfone. The multiphysical-chemical properties of the membrane enable it to work as a nanogate switch with synergy between wettability and surface charge change in response to pH. Then we systematically studied the transmembrane ionic transport properties of this two-/three-dimensional porous system. By adjusting the charge density of the copolymer via chemical copolymerization through a controlled design route, the rectifying ratio of this asymmetric membrane could be amplified 4 times. Furthermore, we equipped a concentration-gradient-driven energy harvesting device with this charge-density-tunable nanoporous membrane, and a maximum power of ≈0.76 W m was obtained. We expect this methodology for construction of a charge-density-tunable heterogeneous membrane by chemical design will shed light on the material design, and this membrane may further be used in energy devices, biosensors, and smart gating nanofluidic devices.

The Key Role of Modifications in Biointerfaces toward Rendering Antibacterial and Antifouling Properties in Polymeric Membranes for Water Remediation: A Critical Assessment

“…[8,123,[285][286][287][288][289][290][291][292][293][294] This can be achieved via LbL assembly or via dynamic compositing. [8,123,[285][286][287][288][289][290][291][292][293][294] This can be achieved via LbL assembly or via dynamic compositing.…”

Interfacial Synthesis of a Monolayered Fluorescent Two‐Dimensional Polymer through Dynamic Imine Chemistry

“…In addition, the 2D, ultrathin and porous natures of the 2DPs are efficiently utilized in osmotic energy conversion, also demonstrating high‐performance power capture by mixing artificial river water and sea water . Therefore, the 2DPs provide new prospects of potential applications in promising fields such as the salinity gradient energy conversion and ion screening . Nevertheless, the synthesis of the 2DPs is usually challenging, especially the monolayer synthesis.…”

“…[30][31][32] Therefore, the 2DPs provide new prospects of potential applications in promising fields such as the salinity gradient energy conversion and ion screening. [33][34][35] Nevertheless, the synthesis of the 2DPs is usually challenging, especially the monolayer synthesis. So far, several strategies have been developed such as single crystal to single crystal method, [36][37][38] solution synthesis, [11,39] and interfacial synthesis.…”

Biomimetic stimuli‐responsive nanochannels and their applications

“…Biomimetic stimuli‐responsive nanochannels can be made by organic materials , inorganic materials , biological materials or hybrid materials , such as track‐etched polymer membranes , porous block copolymer membrane , graphene oxide (GO) , alumina , mesoporous carbon .…”