The Enhancing Ionic Current Rectification in Single Graphene Conical Nanochannel

Abstract

Enhanced ionic current rectification induced by the concentration gradient has been reported recently owing to the development of asymmetric nanofluidic system, in particular graphene nanochannels. However, the reasons for the enhancement of ionic current rectification of graphene conical nanochannels are not well understood. Herein, a finite element model of a single graphene conical nanochannel is established to explore the fundamental mechanisms of the ionic current rectification. The model proves that the highest cation concentration caused by graphene is almost 42 times higher than the bulk ion concentration. Compared with the nongraphene model, the graphene with higher surface charge density can absorb more cation in the tip (the small pore) of graphene conical nanochannel. Besides, the nanoscale corner consisting of graphene membrane and the wall of the conical nanochannel is a semihermetic reservoir for cation accumulation. It demonstrates that the enhancement of ionic current rectification is mainly ascribed to the unique structure of the graphene nanochannel and the graphene membrane with a high surface charge density. This work provides a new mechanism explanation about the influence of graphene in ionic current rectification.