Bioinspired Ultrafast-Responsive Nanofluidic System for Ion and Molecule Transport with Speed Control

The design of an intelligent nanofluidic system for regulating the transport of substances such as ions and molecules is significant for applications in biological sensing, drug delivery, and energy harvesting. However, the existing nanofluidic system faces challenges in terms of an uncontrollable transport speed for molecules and ions and also a complex preparation processes, low durability, and slow response rate. Herein, we demonstrate the use of a bioinspired ferrofluid-based nanofluid that can facilitate multilevel ultrafast-responsive ion and molecule transport with speed control. Specifically, we reversibly deform bulk ferrofluids using a magnet and wet/dewet the outer surface of superhydrophilic nanochannels for building a smart transport system. By changing the direction and strength of the external magnetic field, a speed control, ultrafast-responsive molecular transport (