Graphene membrane with regular angstrom-scale pores

Abstract

Technologies are generally described for perforated graphene monolayers and membranes containing perforated graphene monolayers. An example membrane may include a graphene monolayer having a plurality of discrete pores that may be chemically perforated into the graphene monolayer. The discrete pores may be of substantially uniform pore size. The pore size may be characterized by one or more carbon vacancy defects in the graphene monolayer. The graphene monolayer may have substantially uniform pore sizes throughout. In some examples, the membrane may include a permeable substrate that contacts the graphene monolayer and which may support the graphene monolayer. Such perforated graphene monolayers, and membranes comprising such perforated graphene monolayers may exhibit improved properties compared to conventional polymeric membranes for gas separations, e.g., greater selectivity, greater gas permeation rates, or the like.

Description

Background technique [0001] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in this section do not constitute prior art to the claims in this application and are not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. [0002] Porous graphene is considered as an ideal membrane for gas separation. Theoretical and experimental studies have shown that atomic-scale holes in the graphene lattice can provide remarkable selectivity for separating gases based on molecular size. In addition, one-atom-thick single-layer graphene is an ideal candidate because the gas transmission rate through the film increases with decreasing film thickness. [0003] Porous graphene membranes are therefore attracting attention for their potential to significantly outperform conventional polymeric membranes, for example in the separation of gases synthesized at high temperatures. For example, a "shift reaction" for the production of hydrogen (from water) and carbon dioxide can be performe...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, although porous graphene has shown interesting properties in small-scale academic studies, current preparation methods are not yet capable of producing graphene membranes with uniformly sized pores.

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