Combined Effects of Zeta-potential and Temperature of Nanopores on Diffusioosmotic Ion Transport

Abstract

Diffusioosmosis (DO) results from ion transport near charged surfaces in the presence of electrolyte gradients and is critical in nanofluidic systems. However, DO has not yet been comprehensively studied because nanofabrication materials have limitations of low throughput and difficult quantification. Herein, we describe a self-assembled particle membrane (SAPM)-integrated microfluidic platform that can modulate the material properties (e.g., zeta-potential) and transport flux of nanopores. We quantify the effect of the zeta-potential on DO by measuring the electrical signals across three different nanopores/nanochannels of the SAPM. We then empirically quantify the effects of the temperature and ionic strength of the electrolytes on DO and reveal a nonlinear relationship with DO-driven ion transport; the ionic strengths govern the DO- or diffusion-effective ion transport phenomena. Finally, we demonstrate DO-driven electric power generation with enhanced performance as a potential application under optimized experimental conditions.