Controlling interlayer spacing of GO membranes via the insertion of GN for high separation performance

Xuan Liu, Zhu Zhou, Hengzhang Dai, Kuang Ma, Yafei Zhang and Bin Li

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have attracted extensive attention in water treatment and related fields. However, GO films are unstable and have low permeability, which have hindered their further development. In this paper, a simple and effective method was used in which GO and single-layer graphene (GN) were mixed, and the layer spacing was effectively controlled by accurately controlling the ratio of GO to GN. GO-GN composite membranes have excellent stability, salt rejection (95.4%), and water flux (26 L m-2 h-1 bar-1). This unique design structure can be used for precise and effective regulation of the layer spacing in GO, improving the rejection rate, and increasing water flux via the enhancement of low-friction capillary action. The rational development and use of this unique composite membrane provides a reference for the water treatment field.

Key Words

composite membranes; graphene oxide; interlayer spacing; water treatment

Address

Xuan Liu, Zhu Zhou, Hengzhang Dai and Kuang Ma: College of Engineering, Shanghai Ocean University, 999 Huchenghuan Road, Pudong New Area District Shanghai, P.R.China Yafei Zhang: Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Thin Membrane and Microfabrication Technology, Research Institute of Micro/Nanometer Science and Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Minxing District, Shanghai, P.R.China Bin Li: Research Center for Photovoltaics, Shanghai Institute of Space Power-Sources, 2952 Dongchuan Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, 200245, China

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