Power generation by reverse electrodialysis in a single-layer nanoporous membrane made from core–rim polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

Nanoporous graphene and related atomically thin layered materials are promising candidates in reverse electrodialysis research owing to their remarkable ionic conductivity and high permselectivity. The synthesis of atomically thin nanoporous membranes with a narrow pore size distribution, however, remains challenging. Here, we report the fabrication of nanoporous carbon membranes via the thermal crosslinking of core-rim structured monomers, that is, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The mechanically robust, centimetre-sized membrane has a pore size of 3.6 ± 1.8 nm and a thickness of 2.0 ± 0.5 nm. When applied to reverse electrodialysis, the nanoporous carbon membrane offers a high short-circuit current with an output power density of 67 W m −2 , which is about two orders of magnitude beyond that of the classic ion-exchange membranes and current prototype nanoporous membranes reported in the literature. Crosslinked and atomically thin porous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon membranes therefore represent new scaffolds that will revolutionize the rapidly developing fields of sustainable energy and membrane technology.

Electrodialytic Processes: Market Overview, Membrane Phenomena, Recent Developments and Sustainable Strategies

“…RED with bipolar membranes are currently studied for potentially higher power densities [ 280 ]. Finally, a new nanoporous carbon membrane with mesoscopic thickness have been developed for reverse electrodialytic applications and reached a maximum power density of 67 W/m² [ 281 ]. Despite showing increasing promises for SGP energy storage, these recent developments are still in need of further studies establishing larger-scale practicality.…”

Solution-processable porous graphitic carbon from bottom-up synthesis and low-temperature graphitization

“…Porous graphitic carbon (PGC) represents a new class of porous material with a regular distribution of micropores arrayed across graphitic basal planes. [1][2][3] The continuous graphitic backbone enables high electrical and thermal conductivity, 4 as well as extraordinary chemical and thermal stability. 5 Meanwhile, the microporous structure imparts a number of unique properties and functions that are not available with nonporous graphene, such as permeability towards specic molecules; 6 high surface area that allows for high capacity storage of ions and electrons; 7 and abundant edge structures on pore peripheries as active catalytic sites.…”

Oxidation promoted osmotic energy conversion in black phosphorus membranes

“…Also, BP composite nanosheets are demonstrated as promising anode materials for lithium and sodium-ion batteries, exhibiting high reversible capacities (29,30). With respect to the osmotic energy conversion, the emerging BP can be an excellent candidate because its hydrophilic nature and net charge provided by the oxidized sites will largely promote the ionic separation in confined channels (34,35).…”