Enhanced photo-driven ion pump through silver nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide membranes

Biology systems harvest solar energy to regulate ions and molecules precisely across cell membrane that is essential to maintain their life sustainability. Recently, artificial light-driven directional ion transport through graphene oxide membranes has been established, where the membrane converts light power into a transmembrane motive force. Herein, we report a silver nanoparticles decorated graphene oxide membranes for enhanced photo-driven ionic transport. Asymmetric light stimulated charge carrier dynamics, such as advanced light absorption efficiency, extended lifetime and efficient separation of photo-excited charge carriers, are account for the ion-driven force enhancement. Based on metal nanoparticles decoration, the concept of the guest-interactions of plasmon-enhanced photo-driven ion transport in two-dimentional layered membranes will stimulate broad researches in sensing, energy storage and conversion and water treatment.