Dimension unification and dominance evaluation of multi-physical parameters for nanochannel-based ionic thermoelectric energy conversion using similarity principle

Nanochannel‐Based Ion Transport and Its Application in Osmotic Energy Conversion: A Critical Review

“…In summary, the similarity principle‐based dimensionless and sensitivity analyses of multi‐physical parameters are superior in offering intrinsic insight into ion transport in nanochannels, guiding the practical applications of salinity‐gradient osmotic energy conversion. Because an additional non‐uniform temperature distribution is generally involved in nanochannels, similarity principle‐based parameter analysis can be upgraded and extended to describe the thermal‐regulated ion transport process in porous media, such as ionic thermoelectric energy conversion, [ 37 ] ion sieving, and desalination. [ 118 ] This approach offers a superior idea for understanding these complex phenomena and has significant potential for developing practical applications in various fields.…”

“…The above elucidation provides a foundation for understanding the basic properties of interfacial EDLs in nanochannels. However, more complex EDL structures can arise when considering additional factors, including surface properties (such as the electron-donating/capturing ability, [35] wettability, type of functional groups, [36] and microscopic roughness and curvature), environmental conditions (such as the temperature, [37] magnetic, [38] and electric fields, which can vary dynamically and non-uniformly), and electrolyte characteristics (such as the type of solvent, presence of ionic liquids, [39] heavy metal ions, [40] and active substances in wastewater). For example, the orientation variations of the interfacial water molecules under the action of an electric field significantly affect the EDL capacitance.…”

“…Detailed derivation has been reported. [37] The above theoretical understanding of nanochannel-based osmotic power generation has led to a focus on numerical calculations. The finite element method (FEM) has proven to be highly accurate in solving the boundary value problems of nonlinear partial differential equations such as the P-N-P and N-S equations, and it also has high shape adaptability.…”

“…porous media, such as ionic thermoelectric energy conversion, [37] ion sieving, and desalination. [118] This approach offers a superior idea for understanding these complex phenomena and has significant potential for developing practical applications in various fields.…”

Ion transport properties in the pH‐dependent bipolar nanochannels

“…These nanochannel membranes play an important role in the neighborhood of osmotic power generation [34][35][36][37], photoelectric response [38], and so on. In addition, many nanochannels also exhibit extremely high thermal dependence, such as Yeh et al's research on the thermal dependence of mesoscale ion diodes [39], Qu et al's use of particles with photothermal effects to enhance salt differential energy conversion in nanochannels [40], and Zhang's research on ionic thermoelectric systems within nanochannels [41], providing a broader approach for the design of nanodevices.…”