Graphene-based membrane permeability surprise

...graphene-based membranes are impermeable to all gases and liquids (vacuum-tight). However, water evaporates through them as quickly as if the membranes were not there at all.

When a metal container was sealed with such a film, even the most sensitive equipment was unable to detect air or any other gas, including helium, to leak through.

It came as a complete surprise that, when the researchers tried the same with ordinary water, they found that it evaporates without noticing the graphene seal. Water molecules diffused through the graphene-oxide membranes with such a great speed that the evaporation rate was the same independently whether the container was sealed or completely open.

... Materials cannot behave any stranger," comments Professor Geim.

[emphasis mine]


Graphene supermaterial goes superpermeable

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Steph S. on January 29, 2012 at 12:52pm

"The new finding at the University of Manchester gives graphene's potential a most surprising dimension -- graphene can also be used for distilling alcohol."
"The Manchester researchers report this experiment in their Science paper, too, but they say they do not envisage use of graphene in distilleries, nor offer any immediate ideas for applications."

So what will they use it for?

Permalink Reply by Loren Miller on January 29, 2012 at 12:57pm

Okay, here's a poser for you: if water can evaporate through, would it be feasible to use graphene as a means of water desalinization?

Permalink Reply by Idaho Spud on January 29, 2012 at 2:51pm

Gotta love that Graphene.

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