Bioinspired Nanopores for Alkali Metal Ion Transport: From Natural Structure to Artificial Design

Abstract

Natural ion channels achieve exquisite selectivity and near-diffusion-limited flux through sub-nanometer confinement and precise chemical coordination, inspiring the design of synthetic nanoporous materials for alkali metal ion transport. This review systematically surveys recent advances in bioinspired nanoporous materials for the selective transport of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺. We begin by examining the structural and functional principles of natural channel proteins—notably Na_v channels and KcsA—which establish paradigms for ion selectivity via partial dehydration, electrostatic coordination and size exclusion. We then categorize artificial systems by dimensionality, from zero-dimensional graphene nanopores to three-dimensional framework materials, highlighting how pore architecture and chemical microenvironment collectively govern ion selectivity and flux. To achieve enhanced separation performance, researchers primarily relied on three core design strategies, namely size sieving, Donnan-based charge exclusion and stimulus-responsive regulation, with particular emphasis on their synergistic implementation. Finally, we offer perspectives on emerging material platforms, underexplored regulatory strategies, and advanced separation tasks, such as lithium isotope fractionation. Continued advances in fundamental understanding and scalable membrane fabrication will position bioinspired nanoporous materials for transformative impact in resource recovery, energy conversion and environmental remediation.

Keywords

Bioinspired nanopore / Alkali metal ion / Ion selectivity / Nanoporous material

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