Pristine graphene, a monoatomic layer of carbon atoms is impermeable to any gases or solutions while graphene oxide (GO) exhibits highly selective permeability to water molecules and has thus shown potential for applications as filtration material. GO can be prepared from graphite by introducing oxygenated functionalities using oxidizing agents. These functionalities expand the layer separation between two stacked layers and provide a channel for mass transport. We have developed a method to make graphene oxide laminates with proper control in structure and morphology to be ideally used for separation and adsorption applications. Proof-of-concept tests in our GO based laboratory scale innovative technique demonstrated that GO membranes can reject &gt;99% natural organic matter in drinking water with high water fluxes at low pressure. Collaborative research with Sydney Water is continuing to design a graphene oxide based laboratory scale process with Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 so that suitable manufacturers can scale up to TRL 10. Furthermore, the laminates of graphene oxide were selectively reduced to modify the interlayer spacing to enhance the salt rejection. The reduced GO membranes show potential for desalination application with high water flux. To extend the applicability of GO, we have utilised GO membranes for desiccation application. We conducted experimental study on the adsorption and desorption behaviour of water transport in GO laminates as a function of relative pressure. We have observed that GO membranes can adsorb 0.58 gram of water per gram of GO (g/g), which is much higher than silica gel a commercial bench mark desiccant material. To further extend GO membranes adsorption application we studied conducted ionic and molecular adsorption behaviour of GO membranes. Our results suggest that GO membranes have potential to be used as ionic/molecular sponge.

Applications of graphene oxide membranes

255th National Meeting (2018)

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