Graphene oxide membrane sieves ions, boosts freshwater output
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Researchers developed a graphene oxide-polydopamine membrane with tunable interlayer spacing that can sieve hydrated rubidium and potassium ions. The membrane achieves continuous freshwater production at high levels, according to a study published in Nature on July 15, 2026.
Membrane Design
The composite membrane uses polydopamine as pillars to control interlayer spacing in graphene oxide layers. This design allows stable and tunable spacing, enabling selective sieving of hydrated ions. The study reports precise separation of rubidium and potassium ions.
Freshwater Production
The membrane delivers continuous freshwater production at high levels, as demonstrated in the experiments. The tunable spacing optimizes water flux while maintaining ion rejection. This performance surpasses conventional graphene oxide membranes.
97% Salt Removal Achievement
Researchers at the Manchester Institute of Science and Technology achieved 97% removal of common salts using graphene-based desalination. The process is energy efficient compared to conventional reverse osmosis.
What's Next
Further research will focus on scaling up the membrane production and testing with real-world water sources. It remains unclear whether the membrane can maintain performance under long-term operation and fouling conditions.
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Graphene oxide membrane sieves ions, boosts freshwater output
