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Author Zhou, K.-G.; Vasu, K.S.; Cherian, C.T.; Neek-Amal, M.; Zhang, J.C.; Ghorbanfekr-Kalashami, H.; Huang, K.; Marshall, O.P.; Kravets, V.G.; Abraham, J.; Su, Y.; Grigorenko, A.N.; Pratt, A.; Geim, A.K.; Peeters, F.M.; Novoselov, K.S.; Nair, R.R.
Title Electrically controlled water permeation through graphene oxide membranes Type A1 Journal article
Year (down) 2018 Publication Nature Abbreviated Journal Nature
Volume 559 Issue 7713 Pages 236-+
Keywords A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Condensed Matter Theory (CMT)
Abstract Controlled transport of water molecules through membranes and capillaries is important in areas as diverse as water purification and healthcare technologies(1-7). Previous attempts to control water permeation through membranes (mainly polymeric ones) have concentrated on modulating the structure of the membrane and the physicochemical properties of its surface by varying the pH, temperature or ionic strength(3,8). Electrical control over water transport is an attractive alternative; however, theory and simulations(9-14) have often yielded conflicting results, from freezing of water molecules to melting of ice(14-16) under an applied electric field. Here we report electrically controlled water permeation through micrometre-thick graphene oxide membranes(17-21). Such membranes have previously been shown to exhibit ultrafast permeation of water(17,22) and molecular sieving properties(18,21), with the potential for industrial-scale production. To achieve electrical control over water permeation, we create conductive filaments in the graphene oxide membranes via controllable electrical breakdown. The electric field that concentrates around these current-carrying filaments ionizes water molecules inside graphene capillaries within the graphene oxide membranes, which impedes water transport. We thus demonstrate precise control of water permeation, from ultrafast permeation to complete blocking. Our work opens up an avenue for developing smart membrane technologies for artificial biological systems, tissue engineering and filtration.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication London Editor
Language Wos 000438240900052 Publication Date 2018-07-05
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0028-0836 ISBN Additional Links UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles
Impact Factor 40.137 Times cited 216 Open Access
Notes ; This work was supported by the Royal Society, Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, UK (EP/K016946/1, EP/N013670/1 and EP/P00119X/1), British Council (award reference number 279336045), European Research Council (contract 679689) and Lloyd's Register Foundation. We thank J. Waters for assisting with X-ray measurements and G. Yu for electrical measurements. ; Approved Most recent IF: 40.137
Call Number UA @ lucian @ c:irua:152420UA @ admin @ c:irua:152420 Serial 5096
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