Cation-diffusion controlled formation of thin graphene oxide composite membranes for efficient ethanol dehydration

Structural manipulation of graphene oxide (GO) building blocks has been widely researched. Concerning GO membranes for separation applications, the validity and maintenance of their microscopic structures in the chemical environment are pivotal for effective separation at the molecular scale. Cationic interactions with both aromatic rings and oxygenated functional groups of GO make metal ions intriguing for physically and chemically structural reinforcement. By filtrating GO suspension through the substrate loaded with cations, stacking of GO nanosheets and diffusion of cations steadily evolve simultaneously in an aqueous environment without flocculation. Thus, thin and homogeneous GO membrane is obtained. Divalent and monovalent cations were studied regarding their interactions with GO, and the performance of correspondingly functionalized membranes was evaluated. The divalent cation-stabilized membranes have favorable stability in the separation of water/ethanol. This facile fabrication and functionalization method may also be applicable for structure construction of other two-dimensional materials.