Application of graphene oxide membranes in hydrogen isotope separation and optimization of their preparation

This study investigates the use of graphene oxide (GO) membranes, prepared by vacuum filtration, for separating hydrogen isotopes. Traditional methods for separating hydrogen isotopes are complex, energy-intensive, and costly, making the development of efficient and low-cost techniques important. GO membranes are notable for their selective water permeability, chemical and mechanical stability, and high selectivity in separation. In this study, GO membranes were prepared by adjusting the pH and concentration of GO dispersions, with additional UV irradiation to enhance hydrophobicity and stability. The separation performance was tested using the air-gap membrane distillation (AGMD) process. Results showed that GO membranes prepared with a dispersion concentration of 0.3mg·mL^-1 at pH 11 had the best H/D separation performance. These membranes achieved a separation factor of 1.034, a total separation factor of 1.083, and the highest permeate flux of 11.81L·m^-2·h^-1.