Fabrication of sub-nanometer pores on graphene membrane for ion selective transport

Degree of disorder-regulated ion transport through amorphous monolayer carbon

Nanopore technology, re-fueled by two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene and MoS2, controls mass transport by allowing certain species while denying others at the nanoscale and has a wide application range in DNA sequencing, nano-power generation, and others. With their low transmembrane transport resistance and high permeability stemming from their ultrathin nature, crystalline 2D materials do not possess nanoscale holes naturally, thus requiring additional fabrication to create nanopores. Herein, we demonstrate that nanopores exist in amorphous monolayer carbon (AMC) grown at low temperatures. The size and density of nanopores can be tuned by the growth temperature, which was experimentally verified by atomic images and further corroborated by kinetic Monte Carlo simulation. Furthermore, AMC films with varied degrees of disorder (DOD) exhibit tunable transmembrane ionic conductance over two orders of magnitude when serving as nanopore membranes. This work demonstrates the DOD-tuned property in amorphous monolayer carbon and provides a new candidate for modern membrane science and technology.

Nanoporous Amorphous Carbon Monolayer Derived from Fullerene Film

Carbon materials derived from fullerene are reported recently with unique structures and properties. However, only micrometer size samples can be obtained that limits the studying and exploration for membrane applications. Here, the preparation of a centimeter-size nanoporous amorphous carbon monolayer is reported by rapid pyrolyzing a Langmuir-Blodgett film of fullerene. The sample is fully characterized and the results indicate that the amorphous carbon monolayer derived from fullerene is metastable and insulating. The ionic transmembrane transport study demonstrates that the membrane is porous and cation selective with a selectivity of 26%. This work provides new insights into the controlled synthesis of large-size metastable amorphous carbon monolayer.

Covalent Benzenesulfonic Functionalization of a Graphene Nanopore for Enhanced and Selective Proton Transport

A fundamental understanding of proton transport through graphene nanopores, defects, and vacancies is essential for advancing two-dimensional proton exchange membranes (PEMs). This study employs ReaxFF molecular dynamics, metadynamics, and density functional theory to investigate the enhanced proton transport through a graphene nanopore. Covalently functionalizing the nanopore with a benzenesulfonic group yields consistent improvements in proton permeability, with a lower activation barrier (≈0.15 eV) and increased proton selectivity over sodium cations. The benzenesulfonic functionality acts as a dynamic proton shuttle, establishing a favorable hydrogen-bonding network and an efficient proton transport channel. The model reveals an optimal balance between proton permeability and selectivity, which is essential for effective proton exchange membranes. Notably, the benzenesulfonic-functionalized graphene nanopore system achieves a theoretically estimated proton diffusion coefficient comparable to or higher than the current state-of-the-art PEM, Nafion. Ergo, the benzenesulfonic functionalization of graphene nanopores, firmly holds promise for future graphene-based membrane development in energy conversion devices.

The validity of the continuum modeling limit in a single pore flows to the molecular scale

The discrete characteristics of molecules become dominant in the molecular regime when the surface-to-volume ratio becomes very high. Using the well-established continuum approach is questionable due to this dominant behavior. Due to the lack of perfect modeling of such a small-scale system, the experimentalist must rely on the trial and error method. Here we analyze the water transport mechanism through a nanoporous graphene membrane at the molecular level by adopting the classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The results for SPC/E water molecules were compared with those obtained for liquid argon atoms and continuum Sampson's equation predictions. We find that the effect of local variants such as density layering, interatomic forces, slip velocity, and geometric boundary conditions become exponentially dominant with decreasing nanopore size. Consequently, the continuum assumptions break down at 1.5 nm pore diameter due to neglecting the dominant local properties.

Ion transport in two-dimensional flexible nanoporous membranes

Ion transport is a fundamental mechanism in living systems that plays a role in cell proliferation, energy conversion, and maintaining homeostasis. This has inspired various nanofluidic applications such as electricity harvesting, molecular sensors, and molecular separation. Two dimensional (2D) nanoporous membranes are particularly promising for these applications due to their ultralow transport barriers. We investigated ion conduction across flexible 2D membranes via extensive molecular dynamics simulations. We found that the microscopic fluctuations of these membranes can significantly increase ion conductance, for example, by 320% in Cu-HAB with 0.5 M KCl. Our analysis of ion dynamics near the flexible membranes revealed that ion hydration is destabilized when the membrane fluctuated within a specific frequency range leading to improved ion conduction. Our results show that the dynamic coupling between the fluctuating membrane and ions can play a crucial role in ion conduction across 2D nanoporous membranes.

Size and Shape Exclusion in 2D Silicon Dioxide Membranes

2D membranes such as artificially perforated graphene are deemed to bring great advantages for molecular separation. However, there is a lack of structure-property correlations in graphene membranes as neither the atomic configurations nor the number of introduced sub-nanometer defects are known precisely. Recently, bilayer silica has emerged as an inherent 2D membrane with an unprecedentedly high areal density of well-defined pores. Mass transfer experiments with free-standing SiO₂ bilayers demonstrated a strong preference for condensable fluids over inert species, and the measured membrane selectivity revealed a key role of intermolecular forces in ångstrom-scale openings. In this study, vapor permeation measurements are combined with quantitative adsorption experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations to get insights into the mechanism of surface-mediated transport in vitreous 2D silicon dioxide. The membranes are shown to exhibit molecular sieving performance when exposed to vaporous methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and tert-butanol. The results are normalized to the coverage of physisorbed molecules and agree well with the calculated energy barriers.

Kinetic Control of Angstrom-Scale Porosity in 2D Lattices for Direct Scalable Synthesis of Atomically Thin Proton Exchange Membranes

Angstrom-scale pores introduced into atomically thin 2D materials offer transformative advances for proton exchange membranes in several energy applications. Here, we show that facile kinetic control of scalable chemical vapor deposition (CVD) can allow for direct formation of angstrom-scale proton-selective pores in monolayer graphene with significant hindrance to even small, hydrated ions (K⁺ diameter ∼6.6 Å) and gas molecules (H₂ kinetic diameter ∼2.9 Å). We demonstrate centimeter-scale Nafion|Graphene|Nafion membranes with proton conductance ∼3.3-3.8 S cm^-2 (graphene ∼12.7-24.6 S cm^-2) and H⁺/K⁺ selectivity ∼6.2-44.2 with liquid electrolytes. The same membranes show proton conductance ∼4.6-4.8 S cm^-2 (graphene ∼39.9-57.5 S cm^-2) and extremely low H₂ crossover ∼1.7 × 10^-1 - 2.2 × 10^-1 mA cm^-2 (∼0.4 V, ∼25 °C) with H₂ gas feed. We rationalize our findings via a resistance-based transport model and introduce a stacking approach that leverages combinatorial effects of interdefect distance and interlayer transport to allow for Nafion|Graphene|Graphene|Nafion membranes with H⁺/K⁺ selectivity ∼86.1 (at 1 M) and record low H₂ crossover current density ∼2.5 × 10^-2 mA cm^-2, up to ∼90% lower than state-of-the-art ionomer Nafion membranes ∼2.7 × 10^-1 mA cm^-2 under identical conditions, while still maintaining proton conductance ∼4.2 S cm^-2 (graphene stack ∼20.8 S cm^-2) comparable to that for Nafion of ∼5.2 S cm^-2. Our experimental insights enable functional atomically thin high flux proton exchange membranes with minimal crossover.

Light-Controlled Ionic/Molecular Transport through Solid-State Nanopores and Nanochannels

Biological nanochannels perfectly operate in organisms and exquisitely control mass transmembrane transport for complex life process. Inspired by biological nanochannels, plenty of intelligent artificial solid-state nanopores and nanochannels are constructed based on various materials and methods with the development of nanotechnology. Specially, the light-controlled nanopores/nanochannels have attracted much attention due to the unique advantages in terms of that ion and molecular transport can be regulated remotely, spatially and temporally. According to the structure and function of biological ion channels, light-controlled solid-state nanopores/nanochannels can be divided into light-regulated ion channels with ion gating and ion rectification functions, and light-driven ion pumps with active ion transport property. In this review, we present a systematic overview of light-controlled ion channels and ion pumps according to the photo-responsive components in the system. Then, the related applications of solid-state nanopores/nanochannels for molecular sensing, water purification and energy conversion are discussed. Finally, a brief conclusion and short outlook are offered for future development of the nanopore/nanochannel field.

Scale Effect on Simple Liquid Transport through a Nanoporous Graphene Membrane

The transport mechanism of a simple liquid through nanoporous graphene membranes (NPGMs) with pores of various diameters has been explored by utilizing nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulation. The flow is initiated using a pressure-driven flow mechanism that moves the specular reflection wall at a constant velocity. Both the local density peak near the membrane and the pressure drop are dependent on the pore diameter. For accurate calculation of the velocity profile inside the nanopore, we implemented three boundary approaches and local nanoscale variants to see the effect of these factors on the nature of the nanoscale flow. We found an optimized definition of the pore boundary, which minimizes the deviation between MD results and slip-viscosity-modified Sampson's prediction for nanopores of various diameters. Additionally, we observed that with decreasing pore size, the pore center velocity increases, as does the slip velocity, which we attributed to van der Waals interaction between the liquid and wall atoms inside the nanopore. However, the effects of slip velocity, interfacial viscosity, and pore boundary decay exponentially with increasing pore diameter because of the dominance of van der Waals repulsive forces at the molecular level.

Nanopores in two-dimensional materials: accurate fabrication

Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide have been demonstrated with a wide range of applications in electronic devices, chemical catalysis, single-molecule detection, and energy conversion. In the 2D materials, nanopores can be created, and the 2D nanoporous membranes possess many unique properties such as ultrathin thickness, high surface area, and excellent particle sieving capability, showing extraordinary promise in plenty of applications, such as sea water desalination, gas separation, and DNA sequencing. The performances of these membranes are mainly determined by the nanopore size, structure, and density, which, in turn, rely on the fabrication techniques of the nanopores. This review covers the important progress of nanopore fabrication in 2D materials and comprehensively compares these methods for the features of the introduced nanopores and their formation processes. Future perspectives are discussed on the opportunities and challenges in fabricating high-grade 2D nanopores.

Differentiating Solutes with Precise Nanofiltration for Next Generation Environmental Separations: A Review

Selective removal or enrichment of targeted solutes including micropollutants, valuable elements, and mineral scalants from complex aqueous matrices is both challenging and pivotal to the success of water purification and resource recovery from unconventional water resources. Membrane separation with precision at the subnanometer or even subangstrom scale is of paramount importance to address those challenges via enabling "fit-for-purpose" water and wastewater treatment. So far, researchers have attempted to develop novel membrane materials with precise and tailored selectivity by tuning membrane structure and chemistry. In this critical review, we first present the environmental challenges and opportunities that necessitate improved solute-solute selectivity in membrane separation. We then discuss the mechanisms and desired membrane properties required for better membrane selectivity. On the basis of the most recent progress reported in the literature, we examine the key principles of material design and fabrication, which create membranes with enhanced and more targeted selectivity. We highlight the important roles of surface engineering, nanotechnology, and molecular-level design in improving membrane selectivity. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of highly selective NF membranes for practical environmental applications, identifying knowledge gaps that will guide future research to promote environmental sustainability through more precise and tunable membrane separation.

Single-File Water Flux Through Two-Dimensional Nanoporous Membranes

Recent advances in the development of two-dimensional (2D) materials have facilitated a wide variety of surface chemical characteristics obtained by composing atomic species, pore functionalization, etc. The present study focused on how chemical characteristics such as hydrophilicity affects the water transport rate in hexagonal 2D membranes. The membrane-water interaction strength was tuned to change the hydrophilicity, and the sub-nanometer pore was used to investigate single-file flux, which is known to retain excellent salt rejection. Due to the dewetting behavior of the hydrophobic pore, the water flux was zero or nominal below the threshold interaction strength. Above the threshold interaction strength, water flux decreased with an increase in interaction strength. From the potential of mean force analysis and diffusion coefficient calculations, the proximal region of the pore entrance was found to be the dominant factor degrading water flux at the highly hydrophilic pore. Furthermore, the superiority of 2D membranes over 3D membranes appeared to depend on the interaction strength. The present findings will have implications in the design of 2D membranes to retain a high water filtration rate.

Synthesis of nanoporous graphenes via decarboxylation reaction

Two new crystalline structures of nanoporous graphenes were synthesized via decarboxylation reaction and provided an ideal platform for oxygen evolution reaction.

Ionic Conductance through Graphene: Assessing Its Applicability as a Proton Selective Membrane

Inspired by recent reports on possible proton conductance through graphene, we have investigated the behavior of pristine graphene and defect engineered graphene membranes for ionic conductance and selectivity with the goal of evaluating a possibility of its application as a proton selective membrane. The averaged conductance for pristine chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene at pH1 is ∼4 mS/cm² but varies strongly due to contributions from the unavoidable defects in our CVD graphene. From the variations in the conductance with electrolyte strength and pH, we can conclude that pristine graphene is fairly selective and the conductance is mainly due to protons. Engineering of the defects with ion beam (He⁺, Ga⁺) irradiation and plasma (N₂ and H₂) treatment showed improved areal conductance with high proton selectivity mostly for He-ion beam and H₂ plasma treatments, which agrees with primarily vacancy-free type of defects produced in these cases confirmed by Raman analysis.

Laminar Graphene Oxide Membranes Towards Selective Ionic and Molecular Separations: Challenges and Progress

Resolution of resources and environmental crises requires an efficient separation technologies, consequently, scientists and engineers are working vigorously for ideal separation materials. Laminar graphene oxide (GO) is a two-dimensional (2D) material offers considerable interest in this field due to its single atomic layer thickness, good stability, chemical inertness, and variety of functional groups. Recently, GO have emerged as a novel membrane material for molecular and ionic separation of gases, solvent, water, and desalination applications. This tutorial review aims to discuss the various approaches used to control the stacking of GO-based membrane with emphasis of advantages and drawbacks associated with each approach. Further, attention will also be given to describe the recent progress in GO based membranes for ionic and molecular separations. Meanwhile, challenges and opportunities will also be discussed in detail. We hope this review expected to provide a compact source of information that will be of great interest to chemists, material scientists, physicists, and engineers working or planning to work in GO based membranes for separation applications.

Advanced transferring of large-area freestanding graphene films by using fullerenes

Freestanding graphene films are desired to be widely applied in biosensor fabrication due to their distinctive physical properties and improved performance. Chemical vapor deposition has been developed to efficiently fabricate large-area graphene. However, some of the fabricated graphene films might break or be contaminated in the current transferring step using polymers. A stable and high-quality transfer method is needed. Herein, we report on an advanced transfer method of large-area graphene film which uses fullerene as a supporting substrate. Unlike polymers, which are commonly eliminated by being dissolved in an organic solution, fullerene can be easily removed by evaporation in a vacuum because it has a different heat stability to graphene. By using the improved transferring method, the percentage of integrated freestanding films after transferring was increased from 60.7% to 93.4%. The vacuum is beneficial in terms of keeping the brittle freestanding films intact. Graphene films transferred using fullerene showed an advanced flatness and a simplicial elementary composition in comparison to those transferred using polymers. Even through there is trace residue, this stable allotrope of graphene is considered to have almost no impact on biomolecule sensing. These advantages make the fullerene transferring method an attractive candidate for fabricating large-area freestanding graphene films, especially for using in the field of biochemistry analysis and biosensors.

Adsorption-assisted transport of water vapour in super-hydrophobic membranes filled with multilayer graphene platelets

The effects of confinement of multilayer graphene platelets in hydrophobic microporous polymeric membranes are here examined. Intermolecular interactions between water vapour molecules and nanocomposite membranes are envisaged to originate assisted transport of water vapour in membrane distillation processes when a suitable filler-polymer ratio is reached. Mass transport coefficients are estimated under different working conditions, suggesting a strong dependence of the transport on molecular interactions. Remarkably, no thermal polarization is observed, although the filler exhibits ultrahigh thermal conductivity. In contrast, enhanced resistance to wetting as well as outstanding mechanical and chemical stability meets the basic requirements of water purification via membrane distillation. As a result, a significant improvement of the productivity-efficiency trade-off is achieved with respect to the pristine polymeric membrane when low amounts of platelets are confined in spherulitic-like PVDF networks.

Ion transport through a nanoporous C2N membrane: the effect of electric field and layer number

Using all-atom molecular dynamic simulations, we show that a monolayer C₂N membrane possesses higher permeability and excellent ion selectivity, and that multilayer C₂N membranes have promising potential for water desalination.