Combining optical excitation and electric fields provides dynamic, ultra-precise control over ion separation in membranes

https://phys.org/news/2026-09-electricity-ion-membranes.html

"3-layered membrane: anodic aluminum oxide substrate containing nanochannels, photoactive carbon nitride layer, positively charged poly(ionic liquid) coating... illuminated under applied electric bias, membrane alters electrical conditions within its nanochannels to differentiate between monovalent/ divalent ions based on hydration shells and charge... favors lithium over magnesium by >200X, potassium over magnesium by >500X... energy-efficient: lithium extraction, chemical purification, desalination"