Graphene-polymer composite ultrafiltration membranes

Abstract

Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon as the lightest and strongest material, compared with its ability to conduct heat and electricity better than anything else, is integrated into a huge number of applications. Recent study has shown Nano pores single layer graphene membranes with extremely narrow pore size distributions can be fabricated using high-energy heavy ions as a highly selective membrane material, suited for ultra-filtration applications. Developing mechanically stable and scalable graphene-composite membrane systems, however, remains a major challenge. We are currently seeking to develop such membranes based on embedded graphene flakes in polymers combined with high-energy ion irradiation and chemical etching. Graphene-polymer membranes were fabricated using solution grown technic and irradiated with 185 MeV 179Au ions at the ANU Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility. Using small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) combined with advanced electron microscopy (SEM), and Raman spectroscopy, we seek to study the track process and determine how it is influenced by the graphene in the polymer. The research can lead to innovative technologies for the development of energy efficient desalination membranes.