Engineering the Iontronic Properties of Nanoporous Anodic Alumina and Its Applications

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dc.contributor.advisorSantos, Abel
dc.contributor.advisorLaw, Cheryl Suwen
dc.contributor.advisorAbell, Andrew
dc.contributor.authorWang, Juan
dc.contributor.schoolSchool of Chemical Engineering
dc.date.issued2025
dc.description.abstractSolid-state electronics have experienced an unprecedented development in the past decades in terms of their computation capacity, from basic calculation to memorising, and their integration in smart devices to support the raise of artificial intelligence. However, the solid-state electronics have intrinsic constraints to satisfy the increasing requirements of these emerging technologies. Conventional solid-state electronics suffer from source to drain leakage, quantum effects, high driving operation voltage and Joule heat generation. In contrast, biological information transduction system based on ionic transmitters are much more energy efficient and versatile. Synthetic iontronic systems bridge solid-state electronics and biological structures, providing an alternative platform for generating and transmitting signals based on the control and distribution of ions when these flow through synthetic nanochannels. This thesis presents the development of iontronic systems based on nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) by harnessing its intrinsic iontronic properties. The unique characteristics of this platform materials are finely tuned through structural engineering and chemical modification for specific applications, including sensing and energy generation. NAA is an ideal platform for iontronic systems due to its ease of surface functionalisation, tunable pore size, high pore density and excellent mechanical stability. More importantly, NAA exhibits an inherent ionic current rectifying effect due to its barrier oxide layer (BOL). The hemispherical BOL closing the bottom tips of the nanopores in blind-hole NAA membranes features a gradient distribution of vacancies, which is generated from the diffusion of electrolytic species during fabrication. The inhomogeneous distribution of vacancies across the BOL is responsible for the ionic current rectification properties of NAA, which can be exploited for applications such as sensing and blue energy generation. The four main outcomes from this thesis are: (i) tuning of intrinsic iontronic properties of NAA by tailoring the properties of its BOL through anodisation; (ii) unravelling the mechanisms of ionic rectification properties of NAA membranes with distinct BOL features through selective chemical etching; (iii) harnessing the intrinsic iontronic properties of NAA for ultrasensitive detection of heavy metal ions; and (iv) understanding of electroporation and use of the unique features of electroporated membranes for osmotic energy generation. The work completed in this thesis advances both fundamental understanding and applied knowledge on the intrinsic iontronic properties of NAA featuring optimised geometric and chemical properties. This provides new avenues for developing cutting-edge iontronic technologies based on NAA structures for applications across multiple disciplines such as energy conversion, sensing and nanofluidics.
dc.description.dissertationThesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Chemical Engineering, 2025en
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/2440/144881
dc.language.isoen
dc.provenanceThis electronic version is made publicly available by the University of Adelaide in accordance with its open access policy for student theses. Copyright in this thesis remains with the author. This thesis may incorporate third party material which has been used by the author pursuant to Fair Dealing exceptions. If you are the owner of any included third party copyright material you wish to be removed from this electronic version, please complete the take down form located at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/legalsen
dc.subjectNanoporous Anodic Alumina
dc.subjectBarrier Oxide Layer
dc.subjectIonic Current Rectification
dc.subjectSensing
dc.subjectBlue Energy
dc.titleEngineering the Iontronic Properties of Nanoporous Anodic Alumina and Its Applications
dc.typeThesisen

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