Vertical iontronic energy storage based on osmotic effects and electrode redox reactions
摘要
Making salinity gradient energy practical is a great challenge. Despite recent advancements, the practicality of osmotic energy for portable electronics remains doubtful due to its limited power output and portability constraints. Here we report a method for optimizing the transport of alkali metal ions within two-dimensional nanofluidic channels and coupling it with tailored interfacial redox reactions to store the osmotic energy in a space of tens of micrometres within the cut edge of a polymer film. An ultrahigh output power density of 15,900 W m−2 has been achieved. By connecting the devices in series, commercial electronics can be powered due to the high volumetric specific energy density (9.46 Wh cm−3) and power density (106.33 W cm−3). This work introduces an approach for storing iontronic energy based on osmotic effects, providing a platform for developing renewable, ultrathin and safe power sources.