High-efficiency dysprosium-ion extraction enabled by a biomimetic nanofluidic channel.

Biological ion channels exhibit high selectivity and permeability of ions because of their asymmetrical pore structures and surface chemistries. Here, we demonstrate a biomimetic nanofluidic channel (BNC) with an asymmetrical structure and glycyl-L-proline (GLP) -functionalization for ultrafast, selective, and unidirectional Dy extraction over other lanthanide (Ln) ions with very similar electronic configurations. The selective extraction mainly depends on the amplified chemical affinity differences between the Ln ions and GLPs in nanoconfinement.

Gradient Quasi-Solid Electrolyte Enables Selective and Fast Ion Transport for Robust Aqueous Zinc-Ion Batteries.

The quasi-solid electrolytes (QSEs) attract extensive attention due to their improved ion transport properties and high stability, which is synergistically based on tunable functional groups and confined solvent molecules among the polymetric networks. However, the trade-off effect between the polymer content and ionic conductivity exists in QSEs, limiting their rate performance. In this work, the epitaxial polymerization strategy is used to build the gradient hydrogel networks (GHNs) covalently fixed on zinc anode.

Skeleton engineering of rigid covalent organic frameworks to alter the number of binding sites for improved radionuclide extraction.

Crystalline porous covalent frameworks (COFs) have been considered as a platform for uranium extraction from seawater and nuclear waste. However, the role of rigid skeleton and atomically precise structures of COFs is often ignored in the design of defined binding configuration. Here, a COF with an optimized relative position of two bidentate ligands realizes full potential in uranium extraction.

Tunable Ion Transport in Two-Dimensional Nanofluidic Channels.

Layered two-dimensional (2D) materials with interlayer channels at the nanometer scale offer an ideal platform to control ion transport behaviors, including high-precision separation, ultrafast diffusion, and tunable permeation flux, which show great potential for energy conversion and storage, water treatment, catalysis, biosynthesis, and sensing. Recent advances in controlling the structure and functionality of 2D nanofluidic channels sustainably open doors for more revolutionary applications. In this Perspective, we first present a brief introduction to the fundamental mechanisms for ion transport in 2D nanofluidic channels and an overview of state-of-the-art assembly technologies of nanochannel membranes.

Anion Concentration Gradient-Assisted Construction of a Solid-Electrolyte Interphase for a Stable Zinc Metal Anode at High Rates.

Coulombic efficiency (CE) and cycle life of metal anodes (lithium, sodium, zinc) are limited by dendritic growth and side reactions in rechargeable metal batteries. Here, we proposed a concept for constructing an anion concentration gradient (ACG)-assisted solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) for ultrahigh ionic conductivity on metal anodes, in which the SEI layer is fabricated through an in situ chemical reaction of the sulfonic acid polymer and zinc (Zn) metal. Owing to the driving force of the sulfonate concentration gradient and high bulky sulfonate concentration, a promoted Zn ionic conductivity and inhibited anion diffusion in the SEI layer are realized, resulting in a significant suppression of dendrite growth and side reaction.