Essential role of graphene and graphene-based reverse osmosis membrane in water desalination and purification

The desirable properties offered by graphene and its derivatives, such as atomically thin structure, incredible durability, and high conductivity, have made them suitable candidates and alternative membrane materials for improving the existing desalination and water purification performance. The chapter concisely overviews graphene-based membrane structures used in reverse osmosis (RO) for desalination and water purification. Different graphene-based membrane structures based on configuration (namely single-layer nanoporous graphene (NPG), multilayered graphene-based and graphene oxide (GO) membranes) and their implications on water permeability and salt separation performance were explained. Furthermore, the chapter acknowledges the daunting challenges associated with the long-term sustainability of these graphene-based membranes. While they offer significant advantages, there are still hurdles to overcome. The chapter highlights future opportunities and directions for further research and development in this field.