Hydrophilic Molecularly Modified Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nitride Composite Membranes for Molecular/Ionic Separation

Abstract

Membrane separation is an important separation and purification technology, and membrane materials are the key to membrane separation technology; the rapid development of two-dimensional materials in recent years has brought new opportunities for membrane separation technology. In this study, GO/g-C₃N₄ composite membranes were fabricated by using graphene oxide and combining it with modified g-C₃N₄. Hydrophilic chelating agents were employed for interlayer modification. A comprehensive investigation was conducted on the regulation and performance effects of two different chelating agents, phytic acid (PhA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), on the interlayer channels of CGO membranes. By optimizing ligand loading, the synergistic effects of steric hindrance and hydrophilic affinity sites significantly enhance the ion permeation rate and selective separation performance of the composite membrane.