Modulating ion current rectification generating high energy output in a single glass conical nanopore channel by concentration gradient

Inspired by biological systems that have the inherent skill to generate considerable bioelectricity from the salt content in fluids with highly selective ion channels and pumps on cell membranes, herein, a fully abiotic, single glass conical nanopores energy-harvesting is demonstrated. Ion current rectification (ICR) in negatively charged glass conical nanopores is shown to be controlled by the electrolyte concentration gradient depending on the direction of ion diffusion. The degree of ICR is enhanced with the increasing forward concentration difference. An unusual rectification inversion is observed when the concentration gradient is reversely applied. The maximum power output with the individual nanopore approaches 104 pW. This facile and cost-efficient energy-harvesting system has the potential to power tiny biomedical devices or construct future clean-energy recovery plants.

A single glass conical nanopore provided a nano-confinement environment converting Gibbs free energy from an ion-concentration gradient into electricity.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide