Bionic ultralow energy consumption for energy conversion, storage, and precision separation

In biological systems, macroscopic functions with exceptionally low energy input can be achieved by regulating molecular and ionic motion in narrow chemically defined nanochannels. Biomimetic artificial nanochannels provide a material platform for translating such biological principles into engineered systems. In this perspective , we highlight bionic ultralow energy consumption (UEC) as an emerging design principle for osmotic energy conversion, electrochemical energy storage, and separation of energy-related materials. We argue that UEC enables efficient transport through nanochannels, which is governed not only by the pore size but also by the channel dimensionality and associated free-energy landscape, including dehydration, diffusion, coordination, adsorption, and release. One-dimensional channels provide directional, low-tortuosity pathways; two-dimensional layered nanochannels allow tunable interlayer confinement; and three-dimensional porous frameworks provide dense interconnected transport networks. Recent advances show that these architectures can enhance ion selectivity, accelerate charge storage, and enable precision separation of ions and isotopes. In addition, we present the opportunities and challenges posed by UEC-based nanochannels and discuss possible directions for their future development. By integrating biomimetic channel design, chemical recognition, advanced characterization, and manufacturable architectures, bionic UEC can evolve into a conceptual framework for sustainable energy and separation technologies.