Two dimensional nanomaterial-based separation membranes.

Abstract

Two dimensional nanomaterials including graphene, hexagonal boron-nitride, molybdenum disulfide, etc., provide immense potentials for separation applications. However, the tradeoff between selectivity and permeability in choosing 2D nanomaterial-based membrane is inevitable, limiting the progress on separation efficiency for mass industrial applications. To target these issues, versatile strategies such as the rational design of predefined interlayer channels, membrane nanopores, and reasonable functionalization, as well as new mechanisms have been emerged. In this review, we introduce the recent progress on separation mechanisms of 2D nanomaterial-based membranes with different structures (including the interlayer channels type and the membrane nanopores type) and their inner surface functionalization. Moreover, the interface designs are discussed, in terms of employing dynamic liquid-liquid/liquid-gas interfaces, to advance the selectivity and permeability of the membranes. We further discuss the variety of separation applications based on 2D nanomaterial-based membranes. The authors hope this review will inspire the active interest of many scientists in the area of the development and application of membrane science.