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Precise and ultrafast molecular sieving through graphene oxide membranes
R K Joshi1, P Carbone, F C Wang
1School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 18, 2014
Summary
Graphene oxide membranes act as molecular sieves, blocking large solutes but allowing smaller ions to pass rapidly. This fast ion transport through nanopores is driven by capillary pressure within the graphene nanocapillaries.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Graphene-based materials offer tunable nanopores and low frictional water flow.
- These properties are promising for advanced filtration and separation applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate water and solute permeation through graphene oxide laminates.
- To understand the mechanism behind the observed molecular sieving and fast ion transport.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of micrometer-thick graphene oxide laminates via vacuum filtration.
- Characterization of permeation properties using various solutes and ions.
- Analysis of transport mechanisms under hydrated conditions.
Main Results:
- Graphene oxide laminates function as molecular sieves, rejecting solutes > 4.5 angstroms hydrated radius.
- Smaller ions exhibit permeation rates significantly faster than predicted by simple diffusion.
- Anomalously fast permeation is attributed to capillary-like high pressure within graphene nanocapillaries.
Conclusions:
- Hydrated graphene oxide membranes create a network of nanocapillaries for selective transport.
- Capillary pressure within these nanocapillaries drives rapid ion permeation.
- Graphene oxide membranes show potential for highly efficient separation technologies.
