Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have emerged as a promising solution for water desalination and purification due to their tunable ionic and molecular sieving capabilities, thin structure, and customizable microstructure. However, challenges such as uneven stacking, crossflow delamination, flawed pores, and pH effects hinder their commercial applicability. This review discusses recent advancements in GO-based membrane technology, focusing on their separation mechanism, selectivity, mechanical properties, and applications. It also highlights the impact of process variables like temperature, oxygen concentration, and functional groups on membrane performance. GO membranes are mechanically robust, inexpensive, and suitable for industrial-scale production, making them ideal for water desalination. Two main categories of GO membranes are ultrathin nanoporous GO membranes and GO membranes with two-dimensional water channels. The atomic thickness of nanoporous GO membranes allows for high water permeability and near-complete salt rejection. However, creating defect-free sub-nanometer holes remains challenging. Recent studies have explored methods to enhance GO membrane stability, such as cross-linking with metallic cations, and the use of nanomaterials to improve separation efficiency. The separation mechanism of GO membranes involves size exclusion, Donnan exclusion, and interactions with ions and molecules. The mechanical properties of GO membranes can be tuned by adjusting the interlayer spacing, which influences permeability and selectivity. The review also discusses the effect of functional groups and oxygen concentration on rGO nanopores, emphasizing the importance of controlling these parameters for optimal desalination performance. Additionally, the review highlights the role of intercalation techniques in enhancing membrane stability and performance, as well as the potential of GO membranes in various separation applications. Overall, the review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of GO membranes and their potential for water desalination, while identifying areas for further research and development.Graphene oxide (GO) membranes have emerged as a promising solution for water desalination and purification due to their tunable ionic and molecular sieving capabilities, thin structure, and customizable microstructure. However, challenges such as uneven stacking, crossflow delamination, flawed pores, and pH effects hinder their commercial applicability. This review discusses recent advancements in GO-based membrane technology, focusing on their separation mechanism, selectivity, mechanical properties, and applications. It also highlights the impact of process variables like temperature, oxygen concentration, and functional groups on membrane performance. GO membranes are mechanically robust, inexpensive, and suitable for industrial-scale production, making them ideal for water desalination. Two main categories of GO membranes are ultrathin nanoporous GO membranes and GO membranes with two-dimensional water channels. The atomic thickness of nanoporous GO membranes allows for high water permeability and near-complete salt rejection. However, creating defect-free sub-nanometer holes remains challenging. Recent studies have explored methods to enhance GO membrane stability, such as cross-linking with metallic cations, and the use of nanomaterials to improve separation efficiency. The separation mechanism of GO membranes involves size exclusion, Donnan exclusion, and interactions with ions and molecules. The mechanical properties of GO membranes can be tuned by adjusting the interlayer spacing, which influences permeability and selectivity. The review also discusses the effect of functional groups and oxygen concentration on rGO nanopores, emphasizing the importance of controlling these parameters for optimal desalination performance. Additionally, the review highlights the role of intercalation techniques in enhancing membrane stability and performance, as well as the potential of GO membranes in various separation applications. Overall, the review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of GO membranes and their potential for water desalination, while identifying areas for further research and development.