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Janus Copper Mesh Film with Unidirectional Water Transportation Ability toward High Efficiency Oil/Water Separation
Author(s) -
Cheng Zhongjun,
Wang Bohan,
Lai Hua,
Liu Pengchang,
Zhang Dongjie,
Tian Da,
Liu Hongwei,
Yu Xiaoyan,
Sun Bo,
Sun Kening
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemistry – an asian journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.18
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1861-471X
pISSN - 1861-4728
DOI - 10.1002/asia.201700488
Subject(s) - permeation , wetting , janus , materials science , contact angle , membrane , chemical engineering , copper , water injection (oil production) , petroleum engineering , nanotechnology , chemistry , composite material , engineering , metallurgy , biochemistry
Inspired by the special asymmetric wettability and controllable permeation function of cell membranes, we report a Janus nanostructured copper mesh film with unidirectional water transportation ability. Water can permeate from the hydrophobic side to the hydrophilic side, but is retained in the opposite direction. Notably, based on this special unidirectional water permeation property, both heavy oil/water mixtures ( ρ oil > ρ water ) and light oil/water mixtures ( ρ oil < ρ water ) can be separated. Additionally, the film demonstrates high separation efficiency and good recyclability. This paper reports a new Janus film that achieved highly efficient oil/water separation based on smart control of the wettability of the film. It is believed to have the potential to be used in many practical applications, such as wastewater treatment and oil‐spill cleanup.