Two-dimensional graphene oxide based membranes for ionic and molecular separation: Current status and challenges

Abstract Membrane-based technology has got of significant interest for its potential applications in water purification, desalination, gas separation, pervaporation, and solvent/water separation for a few decades, when environmental contamination is increasing in an uncontrolled manner due to several anthropogenic activities. However, it has several key challenges because of the diverse pore size, deprived mechanical property, thermal instability, and fouling concern. Recently, two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) and its derivatives are deliberated as the most suitable material for membrane technology for water purification, and desalination applications due to its exceptional properties including single-layer thickness, large surface area, extraordinary chemical and mechanical properties. This review focuses on the recent progress on the fabrication methods used for GO-based membranes. The impact of modification and functionalization on the membrane’s microstructural, and separation properties will be highlighted. Further, ionic and molecular separation applications of GO-based membranes will be discussed in detail. Finally, the challenges and future directions of such membranes will be summarized.