In situ formation of low molecular weight organogelators for slick solidification.

Jean-Marie R Peron,Hollie Packman,Joseph C Bear,William J Peveler

doi:10.1039/c9ra10122e

Jean-Marie R Peron, Hollie Packman + Show 2 more

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https://doi.org/10.1039/c9ra10122e

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Abstract

We have investigated the in situ formation of Low Molecular Weight Organogelator (LMWO) molecules in oil-on-water slicks through dual reactive precursor injection. This method alleviates the need for any carrier solvent or prior heating, therefore reducing the environmental impact of LMWOs, giving instantaneous gelation, even at low temperatures (−5 °C). We show minimal leaching from our gels into the water layer.

Highlights

We have investigated the in situ formation of Low Molecular Weight Organogelator (LMWO) molecules in oil-on-water slicks through dual reactive precursor injection
A key advantage of LMWOs is that their properties can be designed to some extent at a molecular level[4] insofar as one must ensure that the molecule will be able to form a supramolecular network with itself as well as ensuring solubility in the oil
Whilst many new supergelators for oil are being designed, produced and tested, it is in the delivery of such LMWOs where work must focus to maximise the societal and environmental bene ts

Summary

Introduction

We have investigated the in situ formation of Low Molecular Weight Organogelator (LMWO) molecules in oil-on-water slicks through dual reactive precursor injection. Tolyl-isocyanates (“core” groups) are attractive precursors for urea based LMWOs, due to their ready availability from widespread use in poly(urethane) manufacture They produce urea/ urethane moieties on reaction with a nucleophile such as an amine or an alcohol, which readily hydrogen bond, giving the gelator the required intermolecular forces to form the supramolecular network in oils. We have demonstrated a selection of p, m and o-tolyl isocyanates forming stable oil binding gels in sea water.[9] In this study we examined the properties of a diisopropylamine/ p-tolyl isocyanate system (Fig. 1(a)), and a dodecylamine/p-tolyl isocyanate system (Fig. 1(b)) with an eye to in situ application of the gel to an oil spill It is the delivery of the LMWO to the hydrocarbon slick and gelation of the spill that remains a key challenge in environmental oil-spill remediation with LMWOs. The application of the LMWO to the oil has proven to be highly exacting due to the strength of the gelling intermolecular forces, and a successful LMWO will most commonly manifest itself as a solid. This is a reason why LMWOs would only be suited to inshore clean-up as the cooling on aerial deployment would mean the LMWO would solidify before reaching the oil, preventing dissolution and gelation

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