Porous Organic Cages as Synthetic Water Channels

Published

September 30, 2020

Author(s)

Yi D. Yuan, Jinqiao Dong, Jie Liu, Daohui Zhao, Hui Wu, Wei Zhou, Hui X. Gan, Yen W. Tong, Jianwen Jiang, Dan Zhao

Abstract

Nature has protein channels (e.g., aquaporins) that preferentially transport water molecules while rejecting even the smallest hydrated ions. Aspirations to create robust synthetic counterparts have led to the development of a few one-dimensional (1D) channels. However, replicating the performance of the protein channels in these synthetic water channels remains a challenge. The dimensionality of the synthetic water channels also imposes orientation requirements for satisfactory water permeation. Here we show that zero-dimensional (0D) porous organic cages (POCs) with nanoscale pores can effectively reject small cations and anions while allowing fast water permeation (ca. 10⁹ water molecules per second) on the same magnitude as that of aquaporins. Water molecules are found to preferentially flow in single-file, branched chains within the POCs. This work widens the choice of water channel morphologies for water desalination applications.

Citation

Nature Communications

Volume

11

Issue

1

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

DOI Link

Keywords

Porous materials, Water transportation, Water desalination

Citation

Yuan, Y. , Dong, J. , Liu, J. , Zhao, D. , Wu, H. , Zhou, W. , Gan, H. , Tong, Y. , Jiang, J. and Zhao, D. (2020), Porous Organic Cages as Synthetic Water Channels, Nature Communications, [online], https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-18639-7 (Accessed October 14, 2025)