Molecular Structure Effects on Ionic Diode Performance in Desalination: Ultrahigh Rectification in Butylated Intrinsically Microporous Polyamine (PIM‐EA‐TB)

Abstract

Abstract Ionic diodes are components in ionic circuits for AC‐electricity driven desalination and ion extraction processes. Independent of the ionic diode type/mechanism, achieving ionic current rectification at high ionic strengths is challenging but important, for example in seawater desalination and treatment of brine. Here, the butylation of a molecularly rigid (glassy) polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐EA‐TB) is shown to give anionic diodes with ultrahigh rectification effects (associated with interfacial resistivity) even in high ionic strength aqueous 2 M NaCl solution. The effect is rationalised based on polymer structure affecting ion transport.

Keywords

• voltammetry
• ionic semiconductor
• electroosmosis
• seawater
• brine
• iontronics