Library Subscription: Guest

ISBN: 978-1-56700-537-0

ISBN Online: 978-1-56700-538-7

ISSN Online: 2377-424X

International Heat Transfer Conference 17
August, 14-18, 2023, Cape Town, South Africa

Intelligent Oil and Water Separation by Selectively and Regionally Pre-wetting In-air Superamphiphobic Copper Foams

Get access (open in a dialog) DOI: 10.1615/IHTC17.130-80
13 pages

Abstract

Oil and water separation through the distinct wetting behaviors on the biomimetic surface is a promising method for solving severe ecological and environmental problems caused by oil spills and pollutants purification. However, obtaining intelligent and continuous oil and water separation remains a challenge. Here, we proposed a brilliant and efficient oil and water separation method by selectively and regionally pre-wetting an in-air superamphiphobic copper foam. Through a pre-wetting method, the surfaces can selectively and intelligently separate or block oil and water on demand. The wetting model was developed to analyze the characteristics of water and oil transfer in the pre-wetting copper foams microchannels. After combining with 3D printing technology, a sandwich-like structure was developed using recyclable underwater superoleophobic copper foam and underoil superhydrophobic copper foam. In this structure, various mixtures of light or heavy oils and water can be separated rapidly and continuously with high efficiency, the separation efficiency can be maintained at over 98%, and the COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand) value of the separated water can be below 350 mg/L. In addition, we probed that the foam structure exhibits excellent mechanical stability and chemical durability through 20 cycles of friction and 0.1M acid/alkali/seawater solution corrosion tests. Composite foams' exceptional performance and continuous separation characteristics have great potential and practical significance in purifying a large amount of oily wastewater.