A comprehensive review of graphene oxide-based membranes for efficient dye removal from water sources

[Display omitted] •GO-based membranes have attracted substantial attention in separation processes.•The dye rejection performance of the GO membranes is critically evaluated.•The membrane stability performance and mechanisms of dye rejection are described in detail.•Technological hurdles are underscored while proposing avenues for future research. In the realm of water treatment, the utilization of two-dimensional (2D) graphene and its derivative, graphene oxide (GO), has emerged as a pioneering avenue for the development of nanoporous membranes. These membranes hold immense promise due to the remarkable attributes inherent to GO, notably its expansive specific surface area and the profusion of oxygen-containing surface functional groups. This comprehensive review elucidates the recent advances in the fabrication and utilization of GO-based membranes, specifically tailored for the efficacious removal of dyes from aqueous environments. A detailed analysis of the key physicochemical characteristics, which distinctly influence the synthesis and performance of GO-based membranes, is performed. Furthermore, a profound explication of the intricate mechanisms underpinning the rejection of dyes by these membranes is presented, accompanied by a thorough investigation into the stability performance of the deployed GO-based membranes. A quick comparison of GO membranes with other 2D materials and the application potential of these membranes in treating real textile effluents is also provided. In the end, salient research gaps are pinpointed, leading to clear suggestions for overcoming the mentioned hurdles. This article aimed to help the research community understand GO-based membranes deeply, and also provide valuable ideas about their growing effectiveness in cleaning dyes from various wastewater sources.