High-performance oil/water separation filters with partially soluble superhydrophilic interfaces and enhanced reusability
발표자
김은진 (한밭대학교)
연구책임자
최원산 (한밭대학교)
초록
내용
Superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic surfaces, which form a stable hydration layer that permits water passage while repelling oil, show great potential for environmental remediation applications such as self-cleaning, wastewater treatment, and oil/water separation. However, their high surface energy makes them susceptible to fouling during prolonged use, leading to a loss of anti-oil-fouling (AOF) ability that's challenging to restore once compromised. Here, we present the development and testing of a novel underwater AOF filter designed for the cleanup and separation of various oil/water mixtures. This filter features a partially dissoluble surface, achieved through the stepwise coating of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) nanoparticles and a biodegradable hydrogel blend of polyvinyl alcohol-Konjac glucomannan (PVA/KGM) or sodium alginate (SA) onto different fabric substrates. This design offers a promising solution for robust and long-lasting oil/water separation.