Graphene-reinforced polymeric membranes for water desalination and gas separation/barrier applications

Due to exceptional properties and strength, 2D nanomaterials such as graphene, graphene oxide, and hexagonal boron nitride are emerging as a potential applicant for a wide range of applications. In particular, ultrahigh mechanical properties, hydrophobic nature, minimal atomic thickness, large surface area, and favorable electrostatic interactions of these 2D nanomaterials make them suitable for developing water desalination and ion-separation techniques. Ionized polymers are also explored to develop techniques for desalination using atomic level transport mechanism. Despite the advantages associated with 2D nanomaterials, their expensive large-scale manufacturing compels researchers to explore hybrid systems that involve both 2D nanomaterials and ionized polymers. In this chapter, the authors reviewed the published work focused on nanoscale mechanics of molecular transport through the domain of 2D nanomaterials and ionized polymers. The aim of the present chapter is to review the existing techniques for water desalination using hybrid 2D nanomaterials and ionized polymers composite system. An attempt is also made to illustrate the challenges associated with nanomechanics-based approach of water desalination.