I was wondering whether there is a material that can pass ions (such as the ions existing in seawater) but not water. I am aware that water molecules are smaller, so they can pass through some materials but ions don’t. However, is there a material that is the opposite? Or is there a hydrophobic material that can be used as a coating for a porous material, and doing the same job by preventing water from passing but allow ions to pass through it?
Thanks in advance