Channel-facilitated molecule and ion transport across polymer composite membranes

Abstract

Biological membranes possess hierarchical channels and thus exhibit ultrahigh permselectivity for molecules and ions. Intrigued by the delicate structure and transport mechanisms in biochannels, polymer composite membranes with selective transport channels are successfully fabricated for diverse energy- and environment-related applications. This tutorial review aims to present the latest progress in the design and construction of selective molecule/ion transport channels within polymer composite membranes with emphasis on the regulation of the physical and chemical microenvironments of these channels. The concluding remarks are presented with a tentative perspective on the future research and development of highly efficient channel-facilitated molecule/ion transport across polymer composite membranes.