1
|
Lu X, Chen C, Lin H, Zeng Q, Du J, Han L, Teng J, Yu W, Xu Y, Shen L. Durable Nano-Flower Structured Foam Coupled with Electrically-Driven in Situ Aeration Enable High-Flux Oil/Water Emulsion Separation with Dynamic Antifouling Ability. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2400205. [PMID: 38676331 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202400205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
The conventional membranes used for separating oil/water emulsions are typically limited by the properties of the membrane materials and the impact of membrane fouling, making continuous long-term usage unachievable. In this study, a filtering electrode with synchronous self-cleaning functionality is devised, exhibiting notable antifouling ability and an extended operational lifespan, suitable for the continuous separation of oil/water emulsions. Compared with the original Ti foam, the in situ growth of NiTi-LDH (Layered double hydroxide) nano-flowers endows the modified Ti foam (NiTi-LDH/TF) with exceptional superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity. Driven by gravity, a rejection rate of over 99% is achieved for various emulsions containing oil content ranging from 1% to 50%, as well as oil/seawater emulsions. The flux recovery rate exceeds 90% after one hundred cycles and a 4-h filtration period. The enhanced separation performance is realized through the "gas bridge" effect during in situ aeration and electrochemical anodic oxidation. The internal aeration within the membrane pores contributes to the removal of oil foulants. This study underscores the potential of coupling foam metal filtration materials with electrochemical technology, providing a paradigm for the exploration of novel oil/water separation membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinchun Lu
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Hongjun Lin
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Qianqian Zeng
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Jiarong Du
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Lei Han
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Jiaheng Teng
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Wei Yu
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Yanchao Xu
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| | - Liguo Shen
- College of Geography and Environmental Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
- Key Laboratory of Watershed Earth Surface Processes and Ecological Security, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, 321004, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tuning Structural Colors of TiO2 Thin Films Using an Electrochemical Process. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27154932. [PMID: 35956881 PMCID: PMC9370684 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27154932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
TiO2 films exhibiting structural colors were successfully prepared using one-step electrochemical oxidation. Results of theoretical analyses and digital simulations revealed that the structural color of a TiO2 thin film could be regulated by adjusting oxidation voltage and oxidation time with different oxidation voltages leading to changes in structural color annulus number. At a low oxidation voltage, each thin film exhibited a single structural color, while thin films with different structural colors were obtained by varying the oxidation time. By contrast, at a higher oxidation voltage, each film exhibited iridescent and circular structural color patterns associated with symmetrical decreases in surface oxidation current density along radial lines emanating from the film center to its outer edges. TiO2 films exhibiting iridescent structural colorations have broad application prospects in industrial fields related to photocatalysis and photovoltaic cells.
Collapse
|