Comprehensive Electrokinetic-Assisted Separation of Oil Emulsion with Ultrahigh Flux

Abstract

Many industries have a significant but largely unmet need for efficient and high-flux emulsion separation, particularly for nanoemulsions. Conventional separation membranes rely on size-based separation mainly utilizing a sieving mechanism plus a wetting phenomenon, resulting in a dramatic trade-off between separation efficiency and separation flux. Herein we address this challenge by adapting electrokinetics to membrane-based separation, using a charge-based mechanism capable of separating even nanoemulsions with a demonstrated separation efficiency of >99% and ultrahigh flux up to 40 000 L/ H•m 2 . Our device arrests nano-oil droplets, allowing them to coalesce into larger droplets which are then able to be filtered by coarser membranes. This hybrid technology makes electrokinetic-assisted filtration scalable and commercially viable and allows for a better understanding of the multiphysics underlying dynamic separation.

Superhydrophobic Self-Cleaning Composite of a Metal–Organic Framework with Polypropylene Fabric for Efficient Removal of Oils from Oil–Water Mixtures and Emulsions

“…The above-mentioned problems could be overcome by separating the water part from the oil. The flux for emulsion separation for SHMOF–PP composite was found to be between 1845 and 1899 L m –2 h –1 , which is comparable with the previously reported literature …”

A self-cleaning hydrophobic MOF-based composite for highly efficient and recyclable separation of oil from water and emulsions

“…9 Therefore, people are searching for an easy solution to the separation of oil from oil-water emulsions. 10 The adhesion of dust and contaminants to the surface of glass, concrete walls, and buildings causes bacterial growth and a foul-smell. A new class of self-cleaning material was first reported by Heller et al in 1995.…”

“…9 Therefore, people are searching for an easy solution to the separation of oil from oil–water emulsions. 10…”

Upcycling Waste Pine nut Shell Membrane for Highly Efficient Separation of Crude Oil-in-Water Emulsion

“…However, most of these materials are unable to separate oil-in-water emulsion due to their large pore sizes. Because oil/water emulsion is always composed of emulsified droplets smaller than 20 μm, they are more difficult to separate than immiscible oil/water mixtures. − In addition, it is inevitable to encounter corrosive environment in real life, and so, the chemical stability of materials is of great significance for practical application. Most of the solvents used in membrane production are often toxic, which poses a hazard to human and environmental safety .…”