Blue energy conversion utilizing smart ionic nanotransistors

The use of concentration gradients across nanofluidic membranes for energy generation presents a novel and sustainable approach to power production. This study investigates the impact of ion nanotransistor configurations on ion transport and energy generation. Two types of cylindrical symmetrical nanotransistors, PNP and NPN, were tested. Using the finite element method, the Poisson-Nernst-Planck and Navier-Stokes equations were solved to evaluate how the configuration of soft layers, concentration ratios, and charge density influence energy output. Results show that the NPN configuration consistently outperforms the PNP setup in energy production, with energy generation ranging from 40pW to 56pW, compared to 35pW to 43pW for the PNP structure, when soft layer charge density increase from 25mol/m3 to 100mol/m3. The superior performance of the NPN arrangement is attributed to its higher electrostatic potential and enhanced ion mobility. These findings underscore the potential of NPN nanotransistor configurations for optimizing energy generation as well as water desalination in nanofluidic systems.