Controllable ion transport by surface-charged graphene oxide membrane

Ion transport is crucial for biological systems and membrane-based technology. Atomic-thick two-dimensional materials, especially graphene oxide (GO), have emerged as ideal building blocks for developing synthetic membranes for ion transport. However, the exclusion of small ions in a pressured filtration process remains a challenge for GO membranes. Here we report manipulation of membrane surface charge to control ion transport through GO membranes. The highly charged GO membrane surface repels high-valent co-ions owing to its high interaction energy barrier while concomitantly restraining permeation of electrostatically attracted low-valent counter-ions based on balancing overall solution charge. The…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 21776125, 51861135203, 21490585
• MO
  Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China

  Award: IRT17R54