Graphene, a single layer of graphite, represents the first truly two dimensional atomic crystal. It consists solely of carbon atoms covalently bonded in a hexagonal chicken wire lattice. This unique atomic structure gives it remarkable electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity among all materials known. However, it is the mechanical properties of this wonder material that fascinate our group the most. It is the thinnest, stiffest, and strongest material in the world as well as being impermeable to all standard gases. In this talk, I will review our group's recent experimental results on selective molecular sieving through atomically thin membranes such as porous graphene. These membranes represent a new class of separation membranes where gas transport takes place through effusion through molecular sized pores with atomic-sized channel lengths.

Selective molecular sieving through atomically thin films

245th National Meeting (2013)

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