When fluid molecules transfer in a confined space where the dimensions of channels for mass transfer lower to the free motion distance of molecules

the intermolecular forces between the fluids and channel wall become the most prominent ones in nanoconfined systems and determine the mass transfer efficiency. Because of the frictionless effect of carbon channels smaller than 10 nm

the mass transfer resistance is small. As a result

both the mass transfer flux and selectivity of the carbon-based membranes could be high

which is expected to break the trade-off effect between flux and selectivity. The recent developments of carbon-based membranes with confinement effect for mass transport are reviewed. Two kinds of carbon-based membranes are briefly introduced

which are aligned carbon nano-tube membranes and stacked graphene-based membranes. The mass transfer mechanism in nanoconfined systems

the fabrication approaches of membranes and the potential applications such as water treatment

dehydration

desalination

ion separation and gas separation are summarized. The development of the carbon-based membrane with confinement effect for mass transport is prospected. The problems and solutions in the future are discussed. This paper will provide valuable guidance for design and application of the next generation of separation membranes with both high permeability and high selectivity achieved via confinement effect.