This study introduces cation sieving membranes constructed using MXene nanosheets and EDTA molecules, inspired by the K+ channel of Streptomyces A (KcsA K+). The membranes exhibit high ion permeability and selectivity, achieving a K+/Mg2+ selectivity of 121.2, surpassing other reported membranes. Characterization and simulations reveal that EDTA's cation recognition and partial dehydration effects are crucial for selective sieving, with local charge density significantly impacting selectivity.
