Quasi-vertically asymmetric channels of graphene oxide membrane for ultrafast ion sieving

The high performance of two-dimensional (2D) channel membranes is generally achieved by preparing ultrathin or forming short channels with less tortuous transport through self-assembly of small flakes, demonstrating potential for highly efficient water desalination and purification, gas and ion separation, and organic solvent waste treatment. Here, we report the construction of vertical channels in graphene oxide (GO) membrane based on a substrate template with asymmetric pores. The membranes achieved water permeance of 2647 L m−2 h−1 bar−1 while still maintaining an ultrahigh rejection rate of 99.9% for heavy metal ions, which is superior to the state-of-the-art 2D membranes reported. Furthermore, the membranes exhibited excellent stability during long-term filtration experiments for at least 48 h, as well as resistance to ultrasonic treatment for over 100 minutes. The vertical channels possess very short pathway for almost direct water transport and a highly effective channel area, meanwhile the asymmetric porous template enhances the packing of the inserted GO nanosheets to avoid the swelling effect of membrane. Our work provides a simple way to fabricate vertical channels of 2D nanofiltration membranes with high water purification performance. The high performance of two-dimensional (2D) channel membranes is generally achieved by preparing ultrathin or forming short channels with less tortuous transport through self-assembly of small flakes. Here, the authors report the construction of vertical channels in graphene oxide membranes based on a substrate template with asymmetric pores demonstrating high flux and metal ion rejection.