Janus Metal–Organic Framework Membranes Boosting the Osmotic Energy Harvesting
Zhong‐Qiu Li, Guan‐Long Zhu, Rijian Mo, Mingyang Wu, Xin‐Lei Ding, Liqiu Huang, Zeng‐Qiang Wu, Xing‐Hua Xia
Abstract
The unique ion-transport properties in nanoconfined pores enable nanofluidic devices with great potential in harvesting osmotic energy. The energy conversion performance could be significantly improved by the precise regulation of the “permeability–selectivity” trade-off and the ion concentration polarization effect. Here, we take the advantage of electrodeposition technique to fabricate a Janus metal–organic framework (J-MOF) membrane that possesses rapid ion-transport capability and impeccable ion selectivity. The asymmetric structure and asymmetric surface charge distribution of the J-MOF device can suppress the ion concentration polarization effect and enhance the ion charge separation, exhibiting an improved energy harvesting performance. An output power density of 3.44 W/m 2 has been achieved with the J-MOF membrane at a 1000-fold concentration gradient. This work provides a new strategy for fabricating high-performance energy-harvesting devices.