Cross-Linked Nanocellulose Membranes for Nanofluidic Osmotic Energy Harvesting

Osmotic energy generated from the salinity gradient is a kind of clean and renewable source, where ion-exchange membranes play critical role in its operation. The nanofluidic technique emerging to overcome limitations high resistance low mass transport traditional thus improve osmotic power conversion. However, currently reported materials suffer cost complicated fabrication processes, which limits their practical application. Here, we report low-cost nanocellulose that can be facilely prepared by chemical cross-linking approach. obtained exhibit excellent ion characteristics as high-performance generators. control cross-linker dosage enables simultaneous tunability surface charge density size channels created between interwoven cellulose nanofibrils. maximum membrane reached when weight content 20 wt %. Furthermore, cross-linked long-term working stability harvesting under wide range pH values (3.2–9.7). This derived green sustainable natural demonstrates promising potential for harvesting.