Aqueous Proton Transfer Across Single Layer Graphene

TL;DR

This study demonstrates that aqueous protons can transfer through atomic defects in single layer graphene supported on silica, facilitated by Grotthuss-type relay mechanisms, challenging prior assumptions of high energy barriers.

Contribution

It reveals that proton transfer occurs via natural atomic defects in graphene, with low energy barriers, and elucidates the role of defect chemistry in proton selectivity.

Findings

Protons transfer reversibly through atomic defects in graphene.

Energy barriers for proton transfer are 0.68 to 0.75 eV.

Proton transfer is selective, not occurring for helium or hydrogen.

Abstract

Proton transfer across single layer graphene is associated with large computed energy barriers and is therefore thought to be unfavorable at room temperature unless nanoscale holes or dopants are introduced, or a potential bias is applied. Here, we subject single layer graphene supported on fused silica to cycles of high and low pH and show that protons transfer reversibly from the aqueous phase through the graphene to the other side where they undergo acid-base chemistry with the silica hydroxyl groups. After ruling out diffusion through macroscopic pinholes, the protons are found to transfer through rare, naturally occurring atomic defects. Computer simulations reveal low energy barriers of 0.68 to 0.75 eV for aqueous proton transfer across hydroxyl-terminated atomic defects that participate in a Grotthuss-type relay, while pyrylium-like ether terminations shut down proton exchange. Unfavorable energy barriers to helium and hydrogen transfer indicate the transfer process is selective for aqueous protons.