Abstract
Herein, we report on fabrication of a highly durable smart mesh with reversible superhydrophobicity-hydrophilicity, using a two-step surface modification and hydrothermal process for on-demand oil-water separation. This wettability of transformation can be achieved under lower voltage within a few seconds than the reported literatures. Such an on-demand operation could be beneficially applied to automated and remote operation of oil-water separation situations, which would be very useful for the treatment of various effluents, including those with low levels of radioactivity. The reversible wettability not only makes our material applicable in both “oil-removing” and “water-removing” situations, with a separation efficiency of 99%, but also effectively prevents the mesh film from being contaminated with oil. The material developed in this work retained its high separation efficiency after 10 alternate-use cycles, involving oil-removing and water-removing modes, and sonication for 20 min, demonstrating its high durability. Our study provides a new pathway to improve the interface binding force between ZnO nanorod arrays and its support without affecting electrowetting performance, thus potentially making a useful contribution to the design of novel devices based on electrowetting-driven oil-water separation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
