Sino-British scientist graphene research breakthrough

The reporter learned from the University of Science and Technology of China that Professor Wu Hengan and Dr. Wang Fengchao from the Department of Modern Mechanics of the School of Engineering Science collaborated with the Nobel Prize winner and Professor Andre Heim of the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom to obtain research on graphene functional materials. Throughout the breakthrough, it was found that the graphene oxide film has the property of precise and rapid screening of ions. The research results were published in the recently published issue of Science.（single facer）
Graphene is known as a "magic material" for its unique mechanical and electrical properties. However, the mechanism of interaction between graphene and water is not well understood. The graphene surface is inherently water repellent, but the capillary channels in the graphene film immersed in water allow rapid penetration of water. Their latest collaborative research shows that the graphene oxide film in the water environment interacts with water to form a capillary channel of about 0.9 nm wide, allowing ions or molecules with a diameter of less than 0.9 nm to pass quickly, while ions larger than 0.9 nm in diameter are Completely blocked. This screening effect not only requires very precise ion size requirements, but is thousands of times faster than conventional concentration diffusion.
Wu Hengan's research group used theoretical analysis and molecular simulation methods to study the mechanism of rapid filtration of ions by graphene nanochannels. Their computer simulation studies have shown that the interaction between graphene and ions causes ions to accumulate in the nanochannels, which promotes the rapid diffusion of ions. This finding reasonably explains the experimental results, also known as the "ion sponge effect."
Experts say that if the capillary channel size in the film is further compressed by mechanical means, the salt in the seawater will be efficiently filtered. This means creating a filtration device that can desalinate a cup of seawater into drinking water in a matter of minutes, no longer a science fiction scene.

"Science" specifically reviews the results of this research, and believes that this discovery makes the graphene oxide film important in many separation applications, such as in the fields of desalination and purification, sensing technology and energy conversion. prospect.

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