Ternary Heterostructure Membranes with Two-Dimensional Tunable Channels for Highly Selective Ion Separation

Huiling Liu; Xin Zhang; Zixiao Lv; Fang Wei; Qing Liang; Lijuan Qian; Zhan Li; Ximeng Chen; Wangsuo Wu

doi:10.1021/jacsau.3c00473

Ternary Heterostructure Membranes with Two-Dimensional Tunable Channels for Highly Selective Ion Separation

JACS Au. 2023 Nov 10;3(11):3089-3100. doi: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00473. eCollection 2023 Nov 27.

Authors

Huiling Liu^{1

2}, Xin Zhang^{1

2}, Zixiao Lv^{1

2}, Fang Wei¹, Qing Liang³, Lijuan Qian^{1

2}, Zhan Li^{1

2}, Ximeng Chen^{1

2}, Wangsuo Wu^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ MOE Frontiers Science Center for Rare Isotopes, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
² School of Nuclear Science and Technology, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.
³ CAS Key Laboratory of Chemistry of Northwestern Plant Resources and Key Laboratory for Natural Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Tianshui Road, Lanzhou 730000, China.

Abstract

Selective ion separation from brines is pivotal for attaining high-purity lithium, a critical nonrenewable resource. Conventional methods encounter substantial challenges, driving the quest for streamlined, efficient, and swift approaches. Here, we present a graphene oxide (GO)-based ternary heterostructure membrane with a unique design. By utilizing Zn²⁺-induced confinement synthesis in a two-dimensional (2D) space, we incorporated two-dimensional zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) and zinc alginate (ZA) polymers precisely within layers of the GO membrane, creating tunable interlayer channels with a ternary heterostructure. The pivotal design lies in ion insertion into the two-dimensional (2D) membrane layers, achieving meticulous modulation of layer spacing based on ion hydration radius. Notably, the ensuing layer spacing within the hybrid ionic intercalation membrane occupies an intermediary realm, positioned astutely between small-sized hydrated ionic intercalation membrane spacing and their more extensive counterparts. This deliberate configuration accelerates the swift passage of diminutive hydrated ions while simultaneously impeding the movement of bulkier ions within the brine medium. The outcome is remarkable selectivity, demonstrated by the partitioning of K⁺/Li⁺ = 20.9, Na⁺/K⁺ = 31.2, and Li⁺/Mg²⁺ = 9.5 ion pairs. The ZIF-8/GO heterostructure significantly contributes to the selectivity, while the mechanical robustness and stability, improved by the ZA/GO heterostructure, further support its practical applicability. This report reports an advanced membrane design, offering promising prospects for lithium extraction and various ion separation processes.