3D-printed controllable gradient pore superwetting structures for high temperature efficient oil-water separation
Zhipeng Jin, Hui Mei, Yuekai Yan, Longkai Pan, Hongxia Liu, Shanshan Xiao, Laifei Cheng
Abstract
Superwetting surfaces have the potential to address oil pollution in water, through their ability to separate the two. However, it remains a great challenge to fabricate stable and efficient separation structures using conventional manufacturing techniques. Furthermore, the materials traditionally used for oil-water separation are not stable at high temperature. Therefore, there is a need to develop stable, customizable structures to improve the performance of oil-water separation devices. In recent years, 3D printing technology has developed rapidly, and breakthroughs have been made in the fabrication of complicated ceramic structures using this technology. Here, a ceramic material with a gradient pore structure and superhydrophobic/superoleophilic properties was prepared using 3D printing for high-efficiency oil-water separation. The gradient pore structure developed here can support a flux of up to 25434 L/m2h, which is nearly 40% higher than that an analogous structure with straight pores. At 200 °C, the oil-water separation performance was maintained at 97.4%. Furthermore, samples of the material exhibited outstanding mechanical properties, and chemical stability in a variety of harsh environments. This study provides an efficient, simple, and reliable method for manufacturing oil-water separation materials using 3D printing, and may have broader implications for both fundamental research and industrial applications.