Improved ion transfer and osmotic energy conversion via nanofibers/polymer composite membrane with hierarchical 3D porous

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 604; p. 234498
• Main Authors: Hao, Jinlin, Wang, Yuchen, Ning, Yuankun, Fan, Xiaohui, Jiang, Jishan, Meng, Shuwei, Chang, Leqi, Hu, Shuhong, Chen, Yanshu, Sui, Xin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.06.2024
• Subjects: Carbon nanofibres; Graphene nanosheet; Hierarchical 3D porous; Osmotic energy conversion; Polymer; Polymer; Hierarchical 3D porous; Graphene nanosheet; Osmotic energy conversion; Carbon nanofibres
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2024.234498
• ISSN: 0378-7753

Carbon nanofibre (CNF) membranes with 3D network structures have substantial potential for ion transport and energy harvesting applications. However, large diameter and low charge density at the surface limit their ion selectivity and osmotic energy conversion performance. In this study, we fabricated a composite membrane with improved ion transport by co-deposition on the hierarchical 3D porous nanofibers with polydopamine (PDA) and poly (sodium-p-styrenesulfonate) (PSSNa), and the hierarchical 3D porous membrane substrate comprised of carbon nanofiber and electrodeposited 3D graphene (GF) sheets. By regulating the ratio of PDA to PSS, the size and surface charge density in the ion channel can be optimised, and the power density measured at the output reached 7.5 W m−2 between seawater and river water. In addition, the membrane performs excellent anti-protein contamination properties, which can be attributed to a negative layer of sulfonic acid and phenolic hydroxyl groups carried by polydopamine and polystyrene sodium sulfonate. This hierarchical 3D membrane exhibited high mechanical strength and stability, which was confirmed during one week of monitoring under acidic and alkaline conditions. This preparation process is a simple cost-effective and a highly feasible strategy for achieving osmotic energy harvesting with high efficiency. A hierarchical 3D porous composite membrane from carbon nanofibre, graphene and polymer was developed, performing excellent ostomic energy conversion. [Display omitted] •Hierarchical 3D porous nanofibers/polymers composite membrane is developed.•High surface charge density and high porosity are provided.•A power density of 7.5 W m−2 was achieved under seawater and river water.•The PDA/PSS@CNF/GO membrane has excellent anti-protein-fouling properties.