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Axial alignment of covalent organic framework membranes for giant osmotic energy harvesting

Author

Listed:
  • Wenxiu Jiang

    (Beihang University
    Monash University)

  • Jiale Zhou

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xianwei Zhong

    (South China University of Technology)

  • Mingwei Fang

    (Beihang University)

  • Junran Hao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Danying Zhao

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Xiufang Wen

    (South China University of Technology)

  • Huanting Wang

    (Monash University)

  • Yahong Zhou

    (Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Ying Zhu

    (Beihang University)

  • Lei Jiang

    (Beihang University
    Monash University
    Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

The membrane-based osmotic power generation technology can both provide sustainable energy and address environmental pollution utilizing an eco-friendly energy conversion mechanism. Covalent organic framework (COF) membranes are an attractive option for this application due to their porosity, well-defined pores and tunable surface chemistry. However, precise engineering of the porous structure for rapid ion transport remains a challenge. Here we engineer the initially randomly oriented COF nanochannels into a highly axially aligned configuration, delivering a metal ion-coordinated COF framework, through interfacial polymerization followed by coordination to different ions, including Ca2+, Mg2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Zn2+, Co2+ and Cu2+. Notably, the representative Ca-COF demonstrates a superior cation selectivity of 0.93 and ionic conductivity of 0.06 S m−1. When applied to osmotic energy harvesting, the Ca-COF membranes deliver a record output power density of 320.8 W m−2 in the presence of a mixture of natural seawater and river water. By highlighting the importance of aligning metal ion-coordinated COF nanochannels in improving ion selectivity and permeability, our strategy suggests a pathway in unlocking the potential of osmotic energy harvesting technologies.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenxiu Jiang & Jiale Zhou & Xianwei Zhong & Mingwei Fang & Junran Hao & Danying Zhao & Xiufang Wen & Huanting Wang & Yahong Zhou & Ying Zhu & Lei Jiang, 2025. "Axial alignment of covalent organic framework membranes for giant osmotic energy harvesting," Nature Sustainability, Nature, vol. 8(4), pages 446-455, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natsus:v:8:y:2025:i:4:d:10.1038_s41893-024-01493-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41893-024-01493-6
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