Graphene Membranes

Abstract

Since the experimental proof of one-atom-thick graphene sheet from graphite in 2004, graphene, as a leading material opening two-dimensional (2D) world, has been tremendously investigated owing to its extraordinary physical properties. Among many promising graphene applications, it is believed that membranes might be one of the first significant applications for graphene and its derivatives. Recently, a number of simulation results and proof-of-concept experimental approaches toward graphene membranes reflect such positive prospects. Moreover, graphene and its derivatives (e.g., graphene oxide) already show many outstanding intrinsic properties suitable for promising membrane platforms, such as the minimum membrane thickness, excellent mechanical strength, high chemical stability, and the ability to generate nanopores in the 2D, rigid hexagonal lattices or to create slit-like nanochannels between adjacent sheets. In this article, important theoretical and experimental developments in graphene or graphene-based membranes will be discussed, emphasizing on transport behavior, membrane formation methods, and challenging issues for actual membrane applications.