Synergetic hydrogen-bond network of functionalized graphene and cations for enhanced atmospheric water capture
Abstract
Water molecules at the solid–liquid interface display intricate behaviors sensitive to small changes. The presence of different interfacial components, such as cations or functional groups, shapes the physical and chemical properties of the hydrogen-bond network. Understanding such interfacial hydrogen-bond networks is essential for a large range of applications and scientific questions. To probe the interfacial hydrogen-bond network, atmospheric water capture is a powerful tool. Here, we experimentally observe that a calcium ion on a calcium-intercalated graphene oxide aerogel (Ca-GOA) surface captures 3.2 times more water molecules than in its freestanding state. From experimental Van’t Hoff estimation and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we uncover the synergistically enhanced hydrogen-bond network of the calcium ion–epoxide complex due to significantly larger polarizations and hydrogen bond enthalpies. This study reveals valuable insights into the interfacial water hydrogen-bond network on functionalized carbon–cation complexed surfaces and potential pathways for future atmospheric water generation technologies.
Article Details
Journal Info
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Sciences
Authors (17)
Xiaojun Ren
Xiao Sui
School of Marine Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology
Amir Karton
School of Science and Technology, University of New England
Yuta Nishina
Research Core for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Okayama University, 3-1-1 Tsushima-naka, Kita-ku, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
Tongxi Lin
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney
Daisuke Asanoma
Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Science, Okayama University
Llewellyn Owens
Vesi Water Pty Ltd
Dali Ji
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney
Xinyue Wen
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney
Vanesa Quintano
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney
Komal Tripathi
Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Kamal K. Pant
Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee
Liming Dai
ARC Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science and Innovation
Daria V. Andreeva
Institute for Functional Intelligent Materials, National University of Singapore
Tobias Foller
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney
Kostya S. Novoselov
Rakesh Joshi
School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney