Light-Driven Active Ion Transport

Solar energy can be harvested by biological systems to regulate the directional transport of protons and ions across cells and organelles. Structural and functional bio-mimic photo-active ion nanofluidic conductors, usually in the forms of ion channels and ion pumps, have been increasingly applied to realize active ion transport. However, progress in attaining effective light-driven active transport of ions (protons) has been constrained by the inherent limitations of membrane materials and their chemical and topological structures. Recent advances in the construction of photo-responsive physical ion pump in all-solid-state membranes could potentially lead to new classes of membrane-based materials for active ion transport. In this concept, the development of the state-of-the-art technologies for manufacturing artificial light-driven active ion transport systems are presented and discussed, which mainly involves the utilization of solar energy to realize two types of active ion transport, chemically and physically active ion transport. Afterward, we summarize the key factors towards culminating highly effective and selective membranes for active ion transport. To conclude, we highlight the promising application perspectives of this light-driven active ion transport technique in the field of energy conversion, bio-interfaces and water treatment.