Functionalized 2D membranes for separations at the 1-nm scale

Yuan Kang, Yuqi Wang, Hao Zhang, Zhouyou Wang, Xiwang Zhang, Huanting Wang

Research output: Contribution to journalReview ArticleResearchpeer-review

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The ongoing evolution of two-dimensional (2D) material-based membranes has prompted the realization of mass separations at the 1-nm scale due to their well-defined selective nano- and subnanochannels. Strategic membrane functionalization is further found to be key to augmenting channel accuracy and efficiency in distinguishing ions, gases and molecules within this range and is thus trending as a research focus in energy-, resource-, environment- and pharmaceutical-related applications. In this review, we present the fundamentals underpinning functionalized 2D membranes in various separations, elucidating the critical “method-interaction-property” relationship. Starting with an introduction to various functionalization strategies, we focus our discussion on functionalization-induced channel-species interactions and reveal how they shape the transport- and operation-related features of the membrane in different scenarios. We also highlight the limitations and challenges of current functionalized 2D membranes and outline the necessary breakthroughs needed to apply them as reliable and high-performance separation units across industries in the future.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)7939-7959
Number of pages21
JournalChemical Society Reviews
Volume53
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Jul 2024

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