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Structured cone arrays for continuous and effective collection of micron-sized oil droplets from water

Author

Listed:
  • Kan Li

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jie Ju

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Zhongxin Xue

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jie Ma

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lin Feng

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Song Gao

    (College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University)

  • Lei Jiang

    (Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences (BNLMS), Key Laboratory of Organic Solids, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    School of Chemistry and Environment, Beihang University)

Abstract

Environmental protection agencies and the petroleum industry require effective methods to separate micron-sized oil droplets from water. However, for most existing separation methods, phase separation occurs in the oil–water mixture. The remaining micron-scale oil droplets, which are not affected by phase separation, are difficult to handle with conventional methods on a large scale because of either a lack of separation ability or drawbacks in throughput capacity. Here we develop an oleophilic array of conical needle structures for the collection of micron-sized oil droplets, inspired by the collection of similar sized water droplets on conical cactus spines. Underwater, these structures mimic cacti and can capture micron-sized oil droplets and continuously transport them towards the base of the conical needles. Materials with this structure show obvious advantages in micron-sized oil collection with high continuity and high throughput.

Suggested Citation

  • Kan Li & Jie Ju & Zhongxin Xue & Jie Ma & Lin Feng & Song Gao & Lei Jiang, 2013. "Structured cone arrays for continuous and effective collection of micron-sized oil droplets from water," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 4(1), pages 1-7, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:4:y:2013:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms3276
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3276
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