Title

The performance of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic carbon nanotube meshes in water–oil filtration

Authors

Chee Huei Lee, Michigan Technological University
Nick Johnson, Michigan Technological University
Jaroslaw Drelich, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow
Yoke Khin Yap, Michigan Technological UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-20-2010

Abstract

Vertically-aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were grown on stainless steel (SS) mesh by thermal chemical vapor deposition with a diffusion barrier of Al₂O₃ film. These three-dimensional porous structures (SS-CNT meshes) were found to be superhydrophobic and superoleophilic. Water advancing contact angles of 145–150° were determined for these SS-CNT meshes in air and oil (gasoline, isooctane). Oil, on the other hand, completely wet the SS-CNT meshes. This combined superhydrophobic and superoleophilic property repelled water while allowed the permeation of oil. Filtration tests demonstrated efficiencies better than 80% of these SS-CNT meshes as the filtration membranes of the water-in-oil emulsions. We have conducted quantitative analysis on the diameters of the oil droplets in both the feed emulsion and the filtrate. Then, we have evaluated the issue of water blockage and possible way to improve the filtration efficiency. Finally, the filtration and blockage mechanisms are proposed.

Publisher's Statement

Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Publisher's version of record: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2010.10.016

Publication Title

Carbon

Recommended Citation

Lee, C. H., Johnson, N., Drelich, J., & Yap, Y. K. (2010). The performance of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic carbon nanotube meshes in water–oil filtration. Carbon, 49(2), 669-676. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbon.2010.10.016
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/physics-fp/279