Surface diffusion enhanced ion transport through two-dimensional nanochannels

Fast ion permeation in nanofluidic channels has been intensively investigated in the past few decades because of their potential uses in separation technologies and osmotic energy harvesting. Mechanisms governing ion transport at this ultimately small spatial regime remain to be understood, which can only be achieved in nanochannels that are controllably fabricated. Here, we report the fabrication of two-dimensional nanochannels with their top and bottom walls consisting of atomically flat graphite and mica crystals, respectively. The distinct wall structures and properties enable us to investigate interactions between ions and interior surfaces. We find an enhanced ion transport within the channels that is orders of magnitude faster than that in the bulk solutions. The result is attributed to the highly dense packing of adsorbed cations at mica surfaces, where they diffuse in-plane. Our work provides insights into surface effects on ion transport at the nanoscale.