Graphene transmembrane nanofluidic devices: fabrication strategies and ion transport

Kang, X. (2025)

Doctoral Thesis

This dissertation was to develop effective graphene-based nanofluidic devices by developing scalable fabrication methods and elucidating proton transport mechanisms. By integrating covalent functionalization, defect engineering, and surface chemistry, we demonstrated the importance of the chemical functionality of graphene in mediating proton transport across its basal plane. The foundational insights into proton hopping mechanisms, interfacial hydrophilicity, and charge-driven ion dynamics are explored with the aim of establishing chemical correlations between the chemical functionality of 2D materials and their membrane properties. Successful realization of these objectives could lead to advancements in energy storage, electronics, and materials science, providing chemical insights into next-generation technologies utilizing 2D materials in membranes.

• Graphene
• (Sub)nanofluidics
• Adhesion
• Proton transport
• Selectivity
• Sulfophenylation
• sp3
• Hydrophilicity.

• All authors: Kang, X.
• Supervisor: Schneider, G.F.; Kros, A.
• Co-supervisor: Fu, W.
• Committee: Ubbink, M.; Ruitenbeek, J.M. van; Groot, I.M.N.; Heine, T.; Zhang, Z.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC), Faculty of Science, Leiden University
• Date: 2025-11-20
• ISBN (print): 9789493289918