Double cross-linked MoS2 intercalation GO membrane: Towards high stability and high permeability

Abstract

Graphene oxide (GO)-based membrane has shown great potential in water purification due to its unique physicochemical properties and high permeability. However, it is a challenge to pursue highly permeable GO membranes without compromising stability. Here we employed sodium alginate (SA) together with Ca2+ as cross-linkers to double crosslink GO membrane to obtain stable GS membrane. Further, MoS2 nanosheets were inserted between GO nanosheets to obtain GSM membrane with high permeability. The double cross-linked MoS2 intercalation GO membrane, GSM-1:4, showed high removal of multiple dyes (>99%) and enhanced pure water permeance (112.5 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, 1.9 times and 5.8 times of the pure GO membrane and the double cross-linked GS-0.5 membrane, respectively). Meanwhile, the GSM-1:4 membrane demonstrated excellent stability in water and even in acid and alkali solutions. Our work provides new insights into the design of stable and highly efficient GO-based membranes with a two-dimensional layered structure for water treatment.