Graphene-based sieve turns seawater into drinking water

Researchers, including one of Indian origin, have developed a graphene-based sieve capable of removing salt from seawater, an advance that may provide clean drinking water for millions of people.

When immersed in water, graphene-oxide membranes become slightly swollen and smaller salts flow through the membrane along with water, but larger ions or molecules are blocked.

Researchers from University of Manchester in the UK have now successfully developed graphene membranes and found a strategy to avoid the swelling of the membrane when exposed to water.

The pore size in the membrane can be precisely controlled, which can sieve common salts out of salty water and make it safe to drink, they said.