Stable supra-nanosheet graphene oxide membranes for ultrafast water transport

Graphene oxide (GO) is regarded as a promising next-generation high-performance separation membrane material. However, the flexiblility of single-layer GO nanosheets usually results in membrane with poor stability under practical conditions. In this study, we present a facile strategy to rapidly convert single-layer nanosheet GO membranes into supra-nanosheet GO (sGO) membranes with a loose rigid structure by a confined gelling and crosslinking process. The optimized sGO membrane exhibits remarkable water permeance and retention capability. With additional tailor-made nanopores, the water permeance of the sGO membrane could reach 52.0 LMH/bar, representing 10-fold increase compared to pristine GO membrane. Furtheermore, this membrane demonstrates excellent pressure stability and unique elasticity, enhancing its lorg-term operational reliability and reversible recovery. Hence, this innovative strategy provides a platform for the facily construction of highly stable 2D membranes with enhanced water transport channels.