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 A. Arotiba, Frank Marken

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

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
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 May 2024

Keywords

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

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Catalysis
  • Electrochemistry

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