Xinglong Dong

Engineering grain boundaries in monolayer molybdenum disulfide for an efficient water/ion separation

Publisher: Research Square Platform LLC

Date: 20-03-2023

DOI: 10.21203/RS.3.RS-2630063/V1

Abstract: Atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials have long been considered as ideal platforms for developing separation membranes. However, it is difficult to generate uniform subnanometer pores over large areas on 2D materials. Herein, we report that the well-defined defect structure of monolayer MoS 2 , namely, eight-membered ring (8-MR) pores typically formed at the boundaries of two antiparallel grains, can serve as molecular sieves for efficient water/ion separation. The 8-MR pores (4.2 × 2.4 Å) in monolayer MoS 2 allow rapid single-file water transport while rejecting various hydrated ions. Further, the density of grain boundaries and, consequently, the density of pores can be tuned by regulating the nucleation density and size of MoS 2 grains during the chemical vapor deposition process. The optimized MoS 2 membrane exhibited an ultrahigh water/NaCl selectivity of ~6.5 × 10 4 at a water permeance of 232 mol m −2 h −1 bar −1 , outperforming the state-of-the-art desalination membranes. When used for direct hydrogen production from seawater by combining the forward osmosis and electrochemical water splitting processes, the membrane achieved ~40 times the energy conversion efficiency of commercial polymeric membranes. It also exhibited a rapid and selective proton transport behavior desirable for fuel cells and electrolysis. The bottom-up approach of creating precise pore structures on atomically thin films via grain boundary engineering presents a promising route for producing large-area membranes suitable for various applications.

Efficient electrochemical transformation of CO₂ to C₂/C₃ chemicals on benzimidazole-functionalized copper surfaces

Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)

Date: 2018

DOI: 10.1039/C8CC04735A

Abstract: Benzimidazole (BIMH)-modified copper foil enhances the selective conversion of CO 2 to C 2 /C 3 products via providing highly active H δ+ .

University Of Lincoln

Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Zhejiang University

Location: China

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Dalian Institute Of Chemical Physics

Location: China

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King Abdullah University Of Science And Technology

Location: Saudi Arabia

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King Abdullah University Of Science And Technology (KAUST)

Location: Saudi Arabia

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National Physical Laboratory

Location: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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