Revolutionizing water purification: Unleashing graphene oxide (GO) membranes

The graphene oxide (GO)-based membranes have demonstrated exceptional potential in effectively rejecting and separating various contaminants from aqueous solutions. The abundant availability of oxygenated functional groups and the high surface area of GO make it an ideal choice for synthesizing composite membranes used in water purification. This review critically examines recent advancements in the synthesis of GO-based membranes and their applications in water treatment, specifically focusing on the removal of hazardous dyes, pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), toxic heavy metal ions, as well as the separation of oil/water (O/W) emulsions. The rejection and separation mechanisms of these contaminants and pollutants are also discussed. The desalination potential, stability performance and applications of GO membranes in treating real wastewater are meticulously assessed. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential toxic environmental impacts of GO-based materials. The key technological challenges are identified and the roadmap, comprising prospects and recommendations for future research is provided. This review article will be beneficial for researchers and professionals in the field of water treatment and material science and engineering.