Engineering of asymmetric iontronic nanopores by electroporation for blue energy generation
Date
2025
Authors
Wang, J.
Law, C.S.
Vu, K.N.
Gunenthiran, S.
Nielsch, K.
Abell, A.D.
Santos, A.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Chemical Engineering Journal, 2025; 515:163453-1-163453-17
Statement of Responsibility
Juan Wang, Cheryl Suwen Law, Khanh Nhien Vu, Satyathiran Gunenthiran, Kornelius Nielsch, Andrew D. Abell, Abel Santos
Conference Name
Abstract
Bioinspired nanopores capable of regulating ionic transport have the potential to boost osmotic energy conversion. However, existing systems require the formation of complex composite membranes. An alternative approach is the design of simple nanoporous architectures featuring structural asymmetry. Here, we report on the development of a new class of nanopore architecture based on electroporated nanoporous anodic alumina (NAA) membranes for blue energy generation. We analyze the electroporation mechanism—electric-field assisted perforation of the barrier oxide layer (BOL)—of blind-hole NAA membranes produced under different electrolytes, anodization regimes and potentials. The characteristic iontronic signals of these membranes are analyzed to establish a rationale for the design of electroporation conditions (i.e., type and concentration of electrolytes, electroporation voltage, etc.) to achieve ∼ 100 % electroporation efficiency. Analysis of dynamic ionic current density signals during electroporation provide valuable insights into the ion-induced breakdown mechanism of the BOL. The resultant NAA membranes with electroporated nanopores are demonstrated as osmotic energy generators when subjected to a salinity gradient, generating a remarkable power output of ∼ 2.9 W m⁻². The findings reported here contribute to the fundamental understanding of electroporation in electrolyte– insulator–electrolyte, which has potential to be further extended to similar systems and broad applicability across disciplines such as chemo- and biosensing, nanofabrication, energy generation, fluidic computing, and separation processes.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
© 2025 Published by Elsevier B.V.