Two-dimensional (2D) nanochannel membranes with precise ion sieving properties have emerged as promising materials for direct lithium extraction from salt lake brines. However, the ion selectivity of 2D nanochannel membranes is severely restrained due to water-induced swelling when operating in complex brine conditions. Here, we propose a cation–organic interlayer interlocking strategy to construct an anti-swelling 2D nanochannel membrane with robust channel structure and excellent Mg2+/Li+ separation performance. The coordinative interlocking between diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and Fe3+ imposed strong electrostatic confinement between nanosheets, enabling a stable nanochannel structure even in brine with high Mg2+/Li+ ratio. The presence of DTPA induces a localized concentration gradient of water in the nanochannel, facilitating the formation of Mg2+ clusters. These clusters can enhance the steric hindrance of Mg2+ and the charge repulsion between Mg2+ and Fe3+, thereby producing a high Mg2+ transport energy barrier. Consequently, the assembled membranes exhibit a Mg2+ rejection of 100% in various Mg2+/Li+ ratio brine environments. This strategy provides insights into tailoring the nanochannel environment to achieve enhanced stability and ion selectivity simultaneously, providing guidance for the development of 2D nanochannel membranes in resource recovery and energy conversion fields.
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Open Access
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Nano Research 2026, 19(11): 94908991
Published: 19 August 2026
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