Selective molecular transport through intrinsic defects in a single layer of CVD graphene

ACS Nano. 2012 Nov 27;6(11):10130-8. doi: 10.1021/nn303869m. Epub 2012 Oct 9.

Abstract

We report graphene composite membranes with nominal areas more than 25 mm(2) fabricated by transfer of a single layer of CVD graphene onto a porous polycarbonate substrate. A combination of pressure-driven and diffusive transport measurements provides evidence of size-selective transport of molecules through the membrane, which is attributed to the low-frequency occurrence of intrinsic 1-15 nm diameter pores in the CVD graphene. Our results present the first step toward the realization of practical membranes that use graphene as the selective material.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Gases / chemistry
  • Graphite / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Membranes, Artificial*
  • Porosity*
  • Pressure

Substances

  • Gases
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Graphite