Cost effective synthesis and characterization of nanoporous graphene oxide membrane

Nanoporous grapheme-based materials have been widely recognized as an emerging and promising membrane material or selective layer of membranes to be used in separation [1] and purification applications [2, 3]. For instance, a pioneered modeling work reported by Cohen-Tanugi and Grossman [4, 5] shows that a graphene sheet with subnanometer pores can provide superior water transport rate and high salt rejection in desalination, as compared to current polymeric reverse osmosis membranes by two to three orders of magnitude, making it a high-performance membrane for water desalination. Many experiments have also demonstrated that nanoporous graphene-based materials are effective and efficient in separation of gases [6] and DNA sequencing [7]. To realize nanoporous grahene-based materials, most researchers have been using ion and electron bombardment or chemical vapour deposition. However, more cost-effective and scalable approach is needed to achieve desirable nanoporous structure in grapheme-based membrane for higher flux rate.