Selective filtration of oil/water mixtures with bioinspired porous membranes. Issue 52 (27th June 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zeiger, Claudia; Kumberg, Jana; Vüllers, Felix; Worgull, Matthias; Hölscher, Hendrik; Kavalenka, Maryna N.
• Is Part Of: RSC advances. Volume 7:Issue 52(2017)
• Page Start: 32806
• Page End: 32811
• Publication Date: 2017-06-27
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1039/c7ra05385a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2046-2069

Abstract

Abstract : Membranes inspired by special wetting properties of aquatic plant leaves enable selective removal of either oil or water from oil/water mixtures by filtration. Abstract : Membranes inspired by special wetting properties of aquatic plant leaves enable selective removal of either oil or water from oil/water mixtures by filtration. Here, we introduce polymeric micro- and nanohair-covered porous membranes fabricated using highly scalable fabrication methods: hot pulling and perforation with microneedles. The as-prepared superhydrophobic/superoleophilic oil-removing membranes are converted into underwater superoleophobic water-removing membranes by argon plasma treatment. Membrane permeability and breakthrough pressures are analyzed and compared to theory, and the efficiency of both types of membranes for oil/water separation is demonstrated.