Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
09:09
Layer-by-layer Synthesis and Transfer of Freestanding Conjugated Microporous Polymer Nanomembranes
Published on: December 15, 2015
9.3K
A molecularly engineered large-area nanoporous atomically thin graphene membrane for ion separation.
Ziwen Dai1, Pengrui Jin2, Shushan Yuan3
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Multi-media Pollution Cooperative Control in Yangtze Basin, School of Environmental Science & Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430074, China.
Nature Communications
|May 19, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a molecular anchoring method to create precisely controlled nanoporous graphene membranes. This advancement enhances ion separation performance and offers a scalable route for advanced membrane applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Atomically thin graphene membranes with sub-nanometer pores are promising for separation and energy applications.
- Conventional fabrication methods result in broad pore size distributions and poorly controlled surface charges, limiting performance.
- Precise control over pore size and surface charge is crucial for optimizing graphene membrane applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a scalable bottom-up synthesis for nanoporous graphene membranes with narrow pore size distribution and tailored surface charge.
- To improve ion selectivity and separation performance by addressing limitations of conventional methods.
- To demonstrate the effectiveness of a molecular anchoring approach for defect repair and pore size refinement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a molecular anchoring approach for bottom-up synthesis of nanoporous graphene membranes.
- Employed anchoring molecules to selectively block larger nanopores, creating ion-selective plugs.
- Investigated steric restriction effects for pore size refinement and charge property adjustment.
- Performed theoretical simulations to understand the relationship between pore characteristics and ion selectivity.
Main Results:
- Achieved centimeter-scale nanoporous graphene membranes with narrow pore size distribution and controlled surface charge.
- Demonstrated high separation selectivity for potassium over sodium (K+/Na+=20) and potassium over magnesium (K+/Mg2+=330).
- Exhibited ultrahigh Li+/divalent ion selectivity (>900) in treating lithium battery leaching solutions.
- Theoretical simulations confirmed that optimized pore size, narrow distribution, and positive charge enhance metal ion selectivity.
Conclusions:
- The molecular anchoring approach offers a scalable and effective method for fabricating high-performance nanoporous graphene membranes.
- This technique enables precise control over pore size and surface charge, crucial for advanced separation and energy applications.
- The developed membranes show significant potential for applications in ion separation and resource recovery, such as in lithium battery recycling.
