Carbon Nanomembranes (CNMs) are one molecular monolayer - equivalent to 1 nm - thin, Carbon-based polymeric films with properties which can be specifically adjusted for a variety of applications such as filtration or separation tasks. As a Carbon-based 2D-material, CNMs are related to graphene. However, they have many properties, which cannot easily be achieved for graphene. Especially, perforation (e.g. for the size-selective separation of gases) can be intrinsically achieved during fabrication. The size distribution and density of pores can thereby be controlled by adjusting a few manufacturing parameters. A scaling of production to any wanted size is principally possible and is currently in development. Additionally, it is possible to convert CNMs into porous nanocrystalline graphene, which can be also used for filtration and separation purposes.

Possible applications of these “ballistic” membranes - also in view of air pollution treatment - will be discussed in this presentation and compared to other approaches using ultrathin membranes (graphene-, graphene-oxide- or polymer-based).

Carbon Nanomembranes (CNMs) are one molecular monolayer - equivalent to 1 nm - thin, Carbon-based polymeric films with properties which can be specifically adjusted for a variety of applications such as filtration or separation tasks. As a Carbon-based 2D-material, CNMs are related to graphene. However, they have many properties, which cannot easily be achieved for graphene. Especially, perforation (e.g. for the size-selective separation of gases) can be intrinsically achieved during fabrication. The size distribution and density of pores can thereby be controlled by adjusting a few manufacturing parameters. A scaling of production to any wanted size is principally possible and is currently in development. Additionally, it is possible to convert CNMs into porous nanocrystalline graphene, which can be also used for filtration and separation purposes.

Possible applications of these “ballistic” membranes - also in view of air pollution treatment - will be discussed in this presentation and compared to other approaches using ultrathin membranes (graphene-, graphene-oxide- or polymer-based).