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Biomimetic Janus membrane with spongy channels for directional liquid transport

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaoju Kuang

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Zhenfang Zhang

    (Xi’an Polytechnic University
    RMIT University)

  • Haijun He

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Xiaotao Ma

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Xu Zhang

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Lingfeng Zhu

    (RMIT University)

  • Honglian Cong

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Gaoming Jiang

    (Jiangnan University)

  • Seeram Ramakrishna

    (National University of Singapore)

  • Pibo Ma

    (Jiangnan University)

Abstract

Janus fiber membranes enable directional liquid transport (DLT) for oil-water separation and moisture management, yet conventional pore-channel designs offer limited efficiency. Herein, we have developed a groundbreaking Janus nanofiber structure inspired by the structural characteristics of plant leaves, specifically the pore gradient and liquid transport channels within leaves. An innovative intermediate buffer layer composed of a three-dimensional helical nanofiber membrane was introduced to boost porosity and horizontal interconnectivity. A dopamine-controlled regulation mechanism synergistically optimized the pore structure and wettability of this layer. The resulting Janus membrane exhibits a remarkable unidirectional transport index (1250%), a high oil-water separation efficiency (98.92%), and an ultra-high flux (13860.77 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹). Its integration with textiles demonstrates superior moisture and thermal management, confirming its versatility for applications in oil-water separation, industrial wastewater treatment, and high-performance functional garments.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaoju Kuang & Zhenfang Zhang & Haijun He & Xiaotao Ma & Xu Zhang & Lingfeng Zhu & Honglian Cong & Gaoming Jiang & Seeram Ramakrishna & Pibo Ma, 2025. "Biomimetic Janus membrane with spongy channels for directional liquid transport," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-64964-0
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-64964-0
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