System and method for angstrom confinement of trapped ions

A system for angstrom confinement of ions, the system comprising:

• a first reservoir configured to receive ionic compounds from which the ions can be separated and water molecules to support electroosmosis;
• a second reservoir in fluid communication with the first reservoir by a microchannel therebetween;
• a first electrode positioned in or adjacent to the microchannel proximate the first reservoir;
• a second electrode positioned in or adjacent to the microchannel proximate the second reservoir;
• wherein the first and second electrodes are configured to form an electric field therebetween for electroosmosis of the ionic compounds;
• and
• an angstrom confinement assembly positioned in the microchannel between the first and second reservoirs and the first and second electrodes for trapping the ions, wherein the angstrom confinement assembly comprises a plurality of spacers disposed in spaced relation one to the next to define plural angstrom conduits between respective ones of each adjacent pair of the spacers, wherein the angstrom conduits have prescribed angstrom-order heights to confine the ions and the water molecules to respective linear chains therein;
• whereby, when said electric field is formed, positive ions of the ionic compounds are separated from negative ions of the ionic compounds by inducing the positive ions to flow through the angstrom conduits, the positive ions being separated by the water molecules in the respective linear chains within the angstrom conduits, and when said electric field is not formed, water molecules flow into the angstrom conduits due to capillary forces to confine the positive ions in the respective linear chains in the angstrom conduits.