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Updated: Feb 18, 2026
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Fabrication of Gate-tunable Graphene Devices for Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Studies with Coulomb Impurities
Published on: July 24, 2015
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Selective ion-permeation through strained and charged graphene membranes
Kun Li1, Yi Tao1, Zhongwu Li1
1Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Design and Manufacture of Micro-Nano Biomedical Instruments, School of Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, People's Republic of China.
Nanotechnology
|November 17, 2017
Summary
Stretched and charged graphene membranes can sieve ions. Tuning graphene
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Graphene's unique electronic properties offer potential for advanced membrane applications.
- Developing efficient ion sieve membranes is crucial for water purification and resource recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the ion sieving capabilities of strained and charged graphene.
- To determine the optimal conditions for selective ion transport through graphene nanopores.
Main Methods:
- Molecular dynamics simulations were employed to model ion transport.
- Density functional theory calculations were used to analyze energy barriers.
Main Results:
- A 30% strain on graphene induces pores, enabling ion passage.
- Surface charge density significantly impacts ion hydration layer removal and translocation energy barriers.
- Specific charge densities achieved high selectivity for Li+ purification and Na+/K+ separation.
Conclusions:
- Strained and charged graphene functions as an effective ion sieve membrane.
- Fine-tuning membrane charge density allows for high permeability and selectivity in ion separation.
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