Biomimetic smart nanochannels for energy conversion

Biomimetic smart nanochannels show great potential in the field of energy conversion due to the special structure and responsive property. This article describes the recent progress in the biomimetic energy conversion systems and consists of four parts based on the different mechanisms of energy conversion: the chemoelectrical conversion system to mimic the electrical eel, the photochemical conversion system to mimic the green leaf, the photoelectrical system to mimic the bacteriorhodopsin, the electrochemomechanical conversion system to mimic the hydroelectric power. These biomimetic energy conversion systems can help people to better understand the energy conversion processes in nature. Furthermore, they can inspire the scientists to develop artificial energy devices with better performance. Among them the eel-inspired chemoelectrical conversion system shows the most promising future due to its high energy conversion efficiency and widespread energy input from mixing river water with sea water. The leaf-inspired photochemical conversion system is difficult to utilize with its energy output in the form of ATP. The bacteriorhodopsin-inspired photoelectrical system shows a bright future regardless of its relatively low energy conversion efficiency. The hydro electric-inspired electrochemomechanical conversion system is in its infancy and needs further investigation. The performance of these systems is influenced by the geometric structure and the charge densities of the nanochannel, as well as the external environment such as the type and concentration of the solution, the concentration or pressure difference, pH and so on.