1
|
Li X, Zhang G, Liu H, Lan H, Qu J. Sequential Demulsification through the Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic-Hydrophobic Filtration Layer toward High-Performing Oil Recovery. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:12083-12093. [PMID: 37530558 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
Demulsification using membranes is a promising method to coalesce highly stable emulsified oil droplets for oil recovery. Nevertheless, a structure of the current filtration medium that is not efficient for oil droplet coalescence impedes rapid permeability, thereby inevitably restricting their practical applications. Herein, we report a hydrophobic-hydrophilic-hydrophobic (3H) demulsification medium that exhibits a benchmark permeability of ∼2.1 × 104 L m-2 h-1 with a demulsification efficiency of >98.0%. Remarkably, this 3H demulsification medium maintains over 90% demulsification efficiency in the oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions with a wide range of surfactant concentrations, which shows excellent applicability. Based on the combined results of quasi situ microscope images and molecular dynamics simulations, we show that the polydimethylsiloxane-modified hydrophobic layer facilitates the capture and coalescence of oil droplets, the hydrophilic inner layer assists in squeezing the coalescence of enlarged droplets, and the third hydrophobic layer accelerates the discharge of demulsified oil to sustain permeability. The sequential demulsification mechanism between this 3H filtration layer provides a general guide for designing a demulsifying membrane with high demulsification efficiency and high flux toward oil recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Gong Zhang
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huijuan Liu
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Huachun Lan
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiuhui Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- Center for Water and Ecology, State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kim J, Kumar UP, Lee SJ, Kim CL, Lee JW. Implementation of endurable superhydrophobic surfaces through dilution rate control of the PDMS coating on micro-nano surface structures. POLYMER 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.125929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
|
3
|
Plasma-enabled superhydrophobic coatings on mild steel. Sci Rep 2023; 13:255. [PMID: 36604480 PMCID: PMC9816161 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26695-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This work demonstrates a new pathway to the direct on-surface fabrication of a superhydrophobic surface coating on mild steel. The coating was formed using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma to convert a liquid small-molecule precursor (1,2,4-tricholorobenzene) to a solid film via plasma-assisted on-surface polymerization. Plasma treatments were performed under a nitrogen atmosphere with a variety of power levels and durations. Samples were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), Raman spectroscopy, optical profilometry, contact angle measurement, and potentiodynamic polarisation tests. Wettability of the films varied with the plasma parameters, and through the inclusion of graphene nanoplatelets in the precursor. High-dose plasma exposures of the nanoplatelet-containing precursor created superhydrophobic films with water contact angles above 150°. Potentiodynamic polarisation tests revealed that the superhydrophobic coating provided little or no corrosion protection.
Collapse
|
4
|
Mehanna Y, Crick CR. Study on the Influence of Polymer/Particle Properties on the Resilience of Superhydrophobic Coatings. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:18052-18062. [PMID: 35664566 PMCID: PMC9161389 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c01547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Enhancement in the resilience of superhydrophobic coatings is crucial for their future applicability. However, the progress in this aspect is currently limited due to the lack of a consistent resilience analysis methodology/protocol as well as the limited understanding of the influence of the materials components on the resultant coating performance. This study applies a quantitative analysis methodology involving image analysis and mass tracking and utilizes it to investigate how the properties of coating components can influence coating resilience. The factors examined were changing the molecular weight/tensile strength of poly(vinylchloride)/poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PVC/PDMS) polymers and changing the size of the roughening particles. In addition to the examination of resilience data to evaluate degradation patterns, three-dimensional (3D) mapping of the scratches was performed to obtain an insight into how material removal occurs during abrasion. The results can indicate preferential polymer selection (using higher-molecular-weight polymers for PVC) and optimal particle sizes (smaller particles) for maximizing coating resilience. The study, although focused on superhydrophobic materials, demonstrates wide applicability to a range of areas, particularly those focused on the development of high-strength coatings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin
A. Mehanna
- Materials
Innovation Factory, Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Colin R. Crick
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ghasemlou M, Mayes ELH, Murdoch BJ, Le PH, Dekiwadia C, Aburto-Medina A, Daver F, Ivanova EP, Adhikari B. Silicon-Doped Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots as Efficient Nanoconjugates for Multifunctional Nanocomposites. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:7161-7174. [PMID: 35076220 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c22208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) hold great promise as a new class of high-performance carbonaceous nanomaterials due to their numerous functional properties, such as tunable photoluminescence (PL), excellent thermal and chemical stability, and superior biocompatibility. In this study, we developed a facile, one-pot, and effective strategy to engineer the interface of GOQDs through covalent doping with silicon. The successful covalent attachment of the silane dopant with pendant vinyl groups to the edges of the GOQDs was confirmed by an in-depth investigation of the structural and morphological characteristics. The Si-GOQD nanoconjugates had an average dimension of ∼8 nm, with a graphite-structured core and amorphous carbon on their shell. We further used the infrared nanoimaging based on scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy to unveil the spectral near-field response of GOQD samples and to measure the nanoscale IR response of its network; we then demonstrated their distinct domains with strongly enhanced near fields. The doping of Si atoms into the sp2-hybridized graphitic framework of GOQDs also led to tailored PL emissions. We then sought to explore the potential applications of Si-GOQDs on the surface of plastic films where poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) served as a bridge to tightly anchor the Si-GOQDs to the surface. The bi-layered coated films which were built with co-assembly of Si-GOQDs and PDMS contributed to suppressing the transmission of water molecules due to the generation of compact and less accessible passing sites, achieving a nearly twofold reduction in water permeability compared to the single-layered coated films. The nanoindentation and PeakForce quantitative nanomechanical mapping showed that Si-GOQD-coated substrates were softer and more deformable than those coated only with PDMS. The co-assembly of PDMS and Si-GOQDs yielded films that were less stiff than those made from PDMS alone. Our findings provided conceptual insights into the importance of nanoscale surface engineering of GOQDs in conferring excellent dispersibility and enhancing the performance of nanocomposite films.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehran Ghasemlou
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Edwin L H Mayes
- RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Billy J Murdoch
- RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Phuc H Le
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Chaitali Dekiwadia
- RMIT Microscopy and Microanalysis Facility, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Arturo Aburto-Medina
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Fugen Daver
- School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Elena P Ivanova
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Benu Adhikari
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen F, Wang Y, Tian Y, Zhang D, Song J, Crick CR, Carmalt CJ, Parkin IP, Lu Y. Robust and durable liquid-repellent surfaces. Chem Soc Rev 2022; 51:8476-8583. [DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01033b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
This review provides a comprehensive summary of characterization, design, fabrication, and application of robust and durable liquid-repellent surfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faze Chen
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yaquan Wang
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Yanling Tian
- School of Engineering, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Dawei Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
- Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Jinlong Song
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Colin R. Crick
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Claire J. Carmalt
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Ivan P. Parkin
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, 20 Gordon Street, London WC1H 0AJ, UK
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Chemistry, School of Physical and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiang X, Chen S, Xu E, Meng X, Wu G, Li HZ. Motion dynamics of liquid drops and powder-encapsulated liquid marbles on an inclined solid surface. POWDER TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.powtec.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
8
|
Effect of Surface Structure Complexity on Interfacial Droplet Behavior of Superhydrophobic Titanium Surfaces for Robust Dropwise Condensation. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14154107. [PMID: 34361301 PMCID: PMC8348203 DOI: 10.3390/ma14154107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In general, the dropwise condensation supported by superhydrophobic surfaces results in enhanced heat transfer relative to condensation on normal surfaces. However, in supersaturated environments that exceed a certain supersaturation threshold, moisture penetrates the surface structures and results in attached condensation, which reduces the condensation heat transfer efficiency. Therefore, when designing superhydrophobic surfaces for condensers, the surface structure must be resistant to attached condensation in supersaturated conditions. The gap size and complexity of the micro/nanoscale surface structure are the main factors that can be controlled to maintain water repellency in supersaturated environments. In this study, the condensation heat exchange performance was characterized for three different superhydrophobic titanium surface structures via droplet behavior (DB) mapping to evaluate their suitability for power plant condensers. In addition, it was demonstrated that increasing the surface structure complexity increases the versatility of the titanium surfaces by extending the window for improved heat exchange performance. This study demonstrates the usefulness of DB mapping for evaluating the performance of superhydrophobic surfaces regarding their applicability for industrial condenser systems.
Collapse
|
9
|
Liu W, Hu D, Liu H, Ma W. A new reutilization strategy of waste printed circuit board nonmetal powders for constructing superhydrophobic coatings. POLYM ENG SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pen.25747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Dechao Hu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Huaqing Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| | - Wenshi Ma
- School of Materials Science and Engineering South China University of Technology Guangzhou China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Leemsuthep A, Zakaria Z, Tanrattanakul V, Ramarad S, Muniyadi M, Jaruga T, Munusamy Y, Wnuk I, Pietrusiewicz P. Development of Porous Epoxy Micro-Beads Using Ammonium Bicarbonate through a Single Epoxy Droplet in Corn Oil. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14092282. [PMID: 33924997 PMCID: PMC8125122 DOI: 10.3390/ma14092282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This paper explored the effects of ammonium bicarbonate and different ratios of epoxy to polyamide on the formation of porous epoxy micro-beads through a single epoxy droplet. A single drop of a mixture, consisting of epoxy, polyamide, and ammonium bicarbonate, was dropped into heated corn oil at a temperature of 100 °C. An epoxy droplet was formed due to the immiscibility of the epoxy mixture and corn oil. The ammonium bicarbonate within this droplet underwent a decomposition reaction, while the epoxy and polyamide underwent a curing reaction, to form porous epoxy micro-beads. The result showed that the higher ammonium bicarbonate content in the porous, epoxy micro-beads increased the decomposition rate up to 11.52 × 10−3 cm3/s. In addition, a higher total volume of gas was generated when a higher ammonium bicarbonate content was decomposed. This led to the formation of porous epoxy micro-beads with a smaller particle size, lower specific gravity, and better thermal stability. At an epoxy to polyamide ratio of 10:6, many smaller micro-beads, with particle sizes ranging from 201 to 400 μm, were obtained at an ammonium bicarbonate content of 10 phr. Moreover, the porous epoxy micro-beads with open pores were shown to have a low specific gravity of about 0.93 and high thermal stability at a high ammonium bicarbonate content. Based on the findings, it was concluded that porous epoxy micro-beads were successfully produced using a single epoxy droplet in heated corn oil, where their shape and particle size depended on the content of ammonium bicarbonate and the ratio of epoxy to polyamide used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Leemsuthep
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Malaysia;
- Geopolymer & Green Technology, Centre of Excellence (CEGeoGTech), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Malaysia
| | - Zunaida Zakaria
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Malaysia;
- Geopolymer & Green Technology, Centre of Excellence (CEGeoGTech), Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Arau 02600, Malaysia
- Correspondence:
| | - Varaporn Tanrattanakul
- Research and Development Office, Sino-Thai International Rubber College, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand;
| | - Suganti Ramarad
- School of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, Putrajaya 62200, Malaysia;
| | - Mathialagan Muniyadi
- Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus), Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Malaysia; (M.M.); (Y.M.)
| | - Tomasz Jaruga
- Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, Częstochowa University of Technology, 42201 Częstochowa, Poland;
| | - Yamuna Munusamy
- Department of Petrochemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Perak Campus), Jalan Universiti, Bandar Barat, Kampar 31900, Malaysia; (M.M.); (Y.M.)
| | - Izabela Wnuk
- Department of Physics, Częstochowa University of Technology, 42201 Częstochowa, Poland; (I.W.); (P.P.)
| | - Paweł Pietrusiewicz
- Department of Physics, Częstochowa University of Technology, 42201 Częstochowa, Poland; (I.W.); (P.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tuo Y, Zhang H, Chen L, Chen W, Liu X, Song K. Fabrication of superamphiphobic surface with hierarchical structures on metal substrate. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2020.125983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
|
12
|
Kim S, Woo S, Park HR, Hwang W. One-Step Versatile Fabrication of Superhydrophilic Filters for the Efficient Purification of Oily Water. ACS OMEGA 2021; 6:3345-3353. [PMID: 33553952 PMCID: PMC7860237 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.0c05830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As industrial oily wastewater can seriously damage ecosystems, the use of filtration technology with functional filters has emerged as an effective approach for purifying oily wastewater and protecting the environment. Although several methods for preparing functional filters with specific wettability have been reported, most methods are complicated, expensive, and time-consuming. Furthermore, these methods are only applicable to specific substrates, which hinder their practical applications. Here, a simple and versatile method for the fabrication of a superhydrophilic filter on any substrate using a one-step dipping process is reported. The method is easily scaled-up to fabricate large-area superhydrophilic filters; moreover, mass production is possible using a roll-to-roll process. The resulting filter is durable, stable, and, due to its stable hydrophilic layer, shows no deterioration in wetting behavior; it also exhibits self-cleaning properties. Based on its selective wetting characteristics, oil/water mixtures and oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by surfactants can be purified in a highly efficient manner. Importantly, owing to its self-cleaning properties, the filter can be reused after simply immersing and washing in water. This easy, cost-effective, fast, and versatile method for fabricating superhydrophilic filters can be practically applied in industries that need to purify oily water.
Collapse
|
13
|
Kim S, Cho H, Hwang W. Robust superhydrophilic depth filter and oil/water separation device with pressure control system for continuous oily water treatment on a large scale. Sep Purif Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2020.117779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
14
|
Kim S, Kim K, Jun G, Hwang W. Wood-Nanotechnology-Based Membrane for the Efficient Purification of Oil-in-Water Emulsions. ACS NANO 2020; 14:17233-17240. [PMID: 33269587 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c07206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
With increasing amounts of oily water discharged from industrial and domestic sources, purifying oily emulsions using effective and eco-friendly methods is of great significance. Although functional membranes with selective wettabilities have been extensively explored for the efficient purification of oil-in-water emulsions, the development of functional membranes that use green and inexpensive materials, are simple to fabricate, and are easy to scale up remains very challenging. Herein, we report a simple approach that uses biomass to prepare a membrane for the purification of emulsions. A simple top-down approach was used to partially remove lignin and hemicellulose fractions in wood sheets, resulting in a highly porous and flexible wood membrane. The obtained wood membrane shows excellent water-absorbing and underwater anti-oil adhesion properties due to the removal of the hydrophobic lignin. The wood membrane is durable and stable, thereby maintaining its selective wettability in harsh environments. Selective wetting properties along with a porous structure enable the wood membrane to purify surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions. Such a biomass-derived membrane, which is green, inexpensive, easy to fabricate, and scalable, along with its selective wettability and durability, shows great potential for use as a substitute for existing filter media in diverse industries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seongmin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Kihwan Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyosik Jun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Woonbong Hwang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Rius-Ayra O, Bouhnouf-Riahi O, LLorca-Isern N. Superhydrophobic and Sustainable Nanostructured Powdered Iron for the Efficient Separation of Oil-in-Water Emulsions and the Capture of Microplastics. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2020; 12:45629-45640. [PMID: 32926613 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The pollution of oceans and seas by oils and microplastics is a significant global issue affecting the economy and environment. Therefore, it is necessary to search for different technologies that can remove these pollutants in a sustainable way. Herein, superhydrophobic powdered iron was used to efficiently separate stabilized oil-in-water emulsions and, remarkably, capture microplastic fibers. High-energy ball milling of iron particles was applied to decrease particle size, increase the specific surface area, and produce a nanostructured material. This was combined with the liquid phase deposition of lauric acid to modify the surface free energy. The nanostructured powder showed superhydrophobicity (WCA = 154°) and superoleophilicity (OCA = 0°), which were fundamental in separating stabilized oil-in-water emulsions of hexane with an efficiency close to 100%. Because of the superhydrophobic/superoleophilic properties of the powdered iron and its intrinsic properties of being able to freely move and adapt to the different morphologies of microplastics under continuous stirring, this material can capture microplastic fibers. Thus, we present a novel dual application of a superhydrophobic material, which includes the capture of microplastics. This has not been reported previously and provides a new scope for future environmental sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Rius-Ayra
- CPCM Departament de Ciència dels Materials i Química Física, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - O Bouhnouf-Riahi
- CPCM Departament de Ciència dels Materials i Química Física, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - N LLorca-Isern
- CPCM Departament de Ciència dels Materials i Química Física, Facultat de Química, Universitat de Barcelona, Martí i Franquès 1, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|