Advances and prospects in graphene oxide membranes for seawater salt ion sieving and rejection

•This paper presents a comprehensive overview of technologies for GO membrane preparation.•Two mainstream ion separation mechanism of GO membrane is systematacially discussed.•Functional modifications applied to GO membranes are discussed, and their respective merits and limitations are critically evaluated.•The application of GO membrane in various membrane separation techniques is summarized.•The key issues for the imminent challenge faced by GO membranes in ion sieving and prospects for impending research are highlighted. Seawater salt ion sieving and rejection achieved through membrane separation is inevitable as the human development to obtain fresh water or pure salt. Recently, graphene oxide (GO) membrane with unique physicochemical properties and adjustable structure has unique advantages in seawater desalination. In this paper, we briefly review the development of the GO membranes for seawater salt ion sieving and rejection including the preparation process, ion sieving mechanism, and physical/chemical functional modification of the GO membranes. We compare the current research status of various membrane separation technologies in different application areas and identify potential future research directions. This article aims to offer researchers ideas for the preparation and application of GO membranes, with a focus on developing green and cost-effective manufacturing processes.