Harnessing Blue Energy: The Sustainable Power Source of Tomorrow

Researchers at Osaka University have demonstrated how to control the flow of ions through a nanopore membrane by applying voltage to a gate electrode, potentially advancing the harvesting of sustainable blue energy.

Blue energy offers a promising sustainable alternative to fossil fuels by harnessing the energy generated when ions in a salt solution move from areas of high concentration to low concentration. Researchers from Osaka University have explored how applying voltage affects ion movement through a nanopore membrane, achieving improved control over the process.

In a study recently published in ACS Nano the researchers looked at tailoring the flow of ions through the array of nanopores that make up their membrane, and how this control could make applying the technology on a large scale a reality.