Author: Xinyi Ma (Xian Jiaotong University) - Salinity gradient energy (SGE) is a renewable energy source generated from two solutions with varying salt concentrations. The efficient conversion of SGE into electricity can be achieved through reverse electrodialysis (RED), which employs ion-selective membranes to facilitate the directional movement of ions.
To advance the development of efficient, large-scale ion-selective membranes, we propose two distinct types of membranes: a nacre-like homogeneous membrane composed of graphene oxide, molybdenum disulfide, and microfibrillated cellulose (GO-MoS2-MFC membrane), and a heterogeneous membrane made from sulfonated graphene oxide and oxidized microfibrillated cellulose (SGO-OMFC membrane).
These two ion-selective membranes have offered innovative strategies for the development of large-area, efficient, and cost-effective ion-selective membranes, thereby laying the groundwork for the industrial application of 2D material ion-selective membranes.