Molecular Structure Effects on Ionic Diode Performance in Desalination: Ultrahigh Rectification in Butylated Intrinsically Microporous Polyamine (PIM-EA-TB)

Zhongkai Li, Mariolino Carta, Neil B. McKeown, Raphael E. Agbenyeke , Jean Charles Eloi, David J. Fermin, Omotayo Arotiba, Frank Marken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

2 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Ionic diodes are components in ionic circuits for AC-electricity driven desalination and ion extraction processes. Independent of the ionic diode type/mechanism, achieving ionic current rectification at high ionic strengths is challenging but important, for example in seawater desalination and treatment of brine. Here, the butylation of a molecularly rigid (glassy) polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-EA-TB) is shown to give anionic diodes with ultrahigh rectification effects (associated with interfacial resistivity) even in high ionic strength aqueous 2 M NaCl solution. The effect is rationalised based on polymer structure affecting ion transport.
Original languageEnglish
Article numbere202300807
JournalChemElectroChem
Volume11
Issue number9
Early online date7 Mar 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 May 2024

Data Availability Statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Funding

F.M. thanks for the initial financial support by the EPSRC (EP/K004956/1). R.A. and D.J.F. also acknowledge the financial support by the EPSRC (EP/V008676/1)

FundersFunder number
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilEP/K004956/1, EP/V008676/1

Keywords

  • brine
  • electroosmosis
  • ionic semiconductor
  • iontronics
  • seawater
  • voltammetry

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Electrochemistry

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