Recent progress on fabrication methods of graphene-based membranes for water purification, gas separation, and energy sustainability

Abstract Graphene-based layered materials have got significant interest in membrane technology for water desalination, gas separation, organic nanofiltration, pervaporation, proton exchange applications, etc. and show remarkable results. Up to date, various methods have been developed for fabrication of high performance membrane. Most of them are only suitable for research purposes, but not appropriate for mass transport barrier and membrane applications that require large-area synthesis. In this comprehensive review, we summarized the current synthesis and fabrication methods of graphene-based membranes. Emphasis will be given on fabrication of both graphene-based nanoporous and lamellar membranes. Finally, we discuss the current engineering hurdles and future research directions yet to be explored for fabrication of such membranes.