articleChemical Engineering Journal AdvancesFeb 3, 2026GOLD OA

Electrohydrodynamic ion regulation in soft-coated nanochannels: A comparative assessment of geometry effects on desalination performance

Iran University of Science and Technology · Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique · +2 more institutions

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Abstract

• Reverse-conical nanochannels maximize ion rejection via strong field focusing and enhanced Donnan exclusion. • Soft-layer charge density critically tunes the rejection–flux tradeoff across all tested electrolytes. • Ion hydration and mobility govern selectivity trends, making NaCl the most sensitive to PEL charge. • Pressure and voltage modulate electrohydrodynamics, shifting transport from surface-dominated to bulk-conductive. • Coupled PNP–NS simulations reveal reverse-conical geometry as the optimal design for high-efficiency desalination. Meeting the growing demand for high-quality freshwater requires membrane systems that can provide strong ion discrimination while sustaining adequate water transport.…

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