Construction of angstrom-scale ion channels with versatile pore configurations and sizes by metal-organic frameworks

Controllable fabrication of angstrom-size channels has been long desired to mimic biological ion channels for the fundamental study of ion transport. Here we report a strategy for fabricating angstrom-scale ion channels with one-dimensional (1D) to three-dimensional (3D) pore structures by the growth of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into nanochannels. The 1D MIL-53 channels of flexible pore sizes around 5.2 x 8.9 angstrom can transport cations rapidly, with one to two orders of magnitude higher conductivities and mobilities than MOF channels of hybrid pore configurations and sizes, including Al-TCPP with 1D similar to 8 angstrom channels connected by 2D similar to 6 angstrom interlayers, and 3D UiO-66 channels of similar to 6 angstrom windows and 9 - 12 angstrom cavities. Furthermore, the 3D MOF channels exhibit better ion sieving properties than those of 1D and 2D MOF channels. Theoretical simulations reveal that ion transport through 2D and 3D MOF channels should undergo multiple dehydration-rehydration processes, resulting in higher energy barriers than pure 1D channels. These findings offer a platform for studying ion transport properties at angstrom-scale confinement and provide guidelines for improving the efficiency of ionic separations and nanofluidics.

Automated summary

In this study, a strategy for fabricating angstrom-scale ion channels through the growth of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) into nanochannels is reported. These nanochannels exhibit higher ion conductivity and mobility than MOF channels with hybrid pore configurations and sizes. Furthermore, the three-dimensional (3D) MOF channels demonstrate better ion sieving properties compared to one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) MOF channels. This research provides a platform for studying ion transport properties at angstrom-scale confinement and offers guidelines for improving ionic separations and nanofluidics efficiency.