4.7 Article

Laser-structured superhydrophobic/superoleophilic aluminum surfaces for efficient oil/water separation

Journal

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
Volume 27, Issue 34, Pages 43138-43149

Publisher

SPRINGER HEIDELBERG
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10177-5

Keywords

Nanosecond laser; Perforated; Superhydrophobic; superoleophilic aluminum plate; Oil; water separation; Hole size; Hole spacing

Funding

  1. National Natural Science Foundation of China [51405141, 51775176]

Ask authors/readers for more resources

The current demand for oil/water separation with an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly method is increasing. A laser-structured superhydrophobic/superoleophilic aluminum was prepared by using a nanosecond laser. The aluminum plate was used for oil/water separation without external force, which can replace the traditional porous materials. The effect of hole diameter and spacing on the effectiveness of oil/water separation is discussed. The results show that the aluminum plate with a hole size of 0.5 mm can be considered a more appropriate choice for the oil/water mixtures with large water content. In addition, complete separation of oil and water can be achieved in the hole spacing range of 1.0-3.0 mm. The oil separation speed can be increased without changing the water permeability by reducing the hole spacing, which is positively related to the hole spacing. Separation efficiencies were tested with various oil/water mixtures. The aluminum plate with a hole size of 0.5 mm can quickly separate the different oil mixtures with less than 50% oil content while achieving an oil separation efficiency of up to 99%. Due to the difference in dynamic viscosity of various oil phases, the separation efficiencies of the petrol, kerosene, and diesel are slightly different but can still be maintained above 99%. The laser-processed aluminum plate has several advantages of high porosity, high surface of superhydrophobic properties, and easy tunable structures. In practical applications, the hole size and the spacing should be appropriately adjusted according to specific conditions, such as different oils, the mixing ratios, etc., to obtain the best separation efficiency and speed.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Investigating the correlation between surface wettability and morphology parameters of femtosecond laser processed on YT15

Qibiao Yang, Chengchao Ding, Li Wang, Xiaoping Ren, Yutao Wang, Deyuan Lou, Lie Chen, Jian Cheng, Zhong Zheng, Dun Liu

Summary: Investigating the wettability of cemented carbide tool surfaces is important for improving working life and quality, with a study showing micropit processing by femtosecond laser and analysis of parameters influencing surface morphology and contact angle. The establishment of a geometric morphology model for micropits and the correlation between surface characteristics and wettability were also highlighted, indicating a positive correlation between micropit radius/depth and laser parameters while showing a decrease in roughness factor and contact angle with increased spacing.

JOURNAL OF LASER APPLICATIONS (2021)

Article Nanoscience & Nanotechnology

Fabrication of carbon nanotubes/Cu composites with orthotropic mechanical and tribological properties

Zhong Zheng, Yang Chen, Meng Zhang, Jishi Liu, Anxin Yang, Lie Chen, Qibiao Yang, Deyuan Lou, Dun Liu

Summary: In this study, Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes reinforced copper matrix composites were successfully prepared through a series of processes, showing significant improvements in mechanical and tribological properties when containing 10% MWCNTs. The directional arrangement of MWCNTs in the composites led to obvious orthogonal anisotropy, with the sample containing 3% MWCNTs exhibiting the highest strengthening efficiency.

MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING (2021)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Effect of Heat Treatment on Wettability and Condensation Heat Transfer of Laser-Textured Stainless Steel Surfaces

Deyuan Lou, Bo Wang, Enkang Liang, Gengxin Lu, Jian Cheng, Jiajin Liao, Qibiao Yang, Dun Liu

Summary: This study introduces laser texturing technology assisted by green post-treatment to improve steam condensation heat transfer on stainless steel surfaces, forming stable micro/nanostructures. Heat treatment results in the formation of low-energy nanoburr oxide on the surface, promoting intensive nucleation and growth of condensation droplets. The method proposed in this study offers a promising green solution for enhancing surface heat transfer through laser texturing without chemical processing.

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE (2022)

Article Polymer Science

Aging characteristics and self-healing properties of laser-textured superhydrophobic silicone rubber for composite insulators

Lie Chen, Fei Guo, Tao Yang, Tao Hu, Peter Bennett, Qibiao Yang, Dun Liu

Summary: The research findings show that superhydrophobic silicone rubber surfaces exhibit excellent anti-aging properties, and their hydrophobicity can be restored through heat treatment. Laser treatment can enhance the surface structures, improving the anti-aging and self-healing properties of the material.

POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY (2021)

Article Chemistry, Physical

Effect of Defocused Nanosecond Laser Paint Removal on Mild Steel Substrate in Ambient Atmosphere

Zhong Zheng, Chaofan Wang, Gang Huang, Wenju Feng, Dun Liu

Summary: The research analyzed the effects of different defocused laser paint removal distances on the substrate and paint film, finding that in an inert atmosphere, a defocused laser with a distance of +4mm showed the best removal effect with minimal impact on the substrate. Focused laser paint removal in ambient air caused serious damage to the substrate. The mechanism of laser paint removal was found to be a combination of laser plasma effect, laser gasification effect, and thermal stress effect.

MATERIALS (2021)

Article Crystallography

The Effect of Dimple Overlap on Wettability and Corrosion Resistance of Laser-Textured Stainless Steel

Deyuan Lou, Enkang Liang, Pengjian Chen, Guodong Jiang, Lishi Wang, Laiqing Guan, Yutao Wang, Dun Liu

Summary: This study investigates the relationship between laser spot overlap and dimple overlap during laser surface texturing. The results show that dimple overlap has a nonlinear effect on dimple diameter and textured surface, while laser spot overlap has no direct influence. When the dimple overlap is greater than 55%, the surface reaches a superhydrophobic state and exhibits improved corrosion resistance.

CRYSTALS (2022)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Mechanism of surface corrosion resistance of 304 stainless steel processed by nanosecond laser pulses

Qibiao Yang, Dongguan Wang, Yihao Xiong, Daomeng Zhang, Lie Chen, Jian Cheng, Deyuan Lou, Dun Liu

Summary: A study was conducted on the effects of nanosecond pulsed fiber laser modification on the surface of 304 stainless steel. It was found that the laser fluence significantly affected the stability and corrosion resistance of the passive film. Low fluences resulted in a compact and uniform passive film, while high fluences led to secondary corrosion. The passive film enriched with chromium oxides improved the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel.

MATERIALS AND CORROSION-WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION (2023)

Article Materials Science, Ceramics

Hybrid laser processes for thick silver coating fabrication on AlN substrate

Jian Cheng, Zhen Yang, Sheng Jiang, Fengping Li, Dun Liu

Summary: Aluminum nitride (AlN) is a suitable material for ICs substrates, but its poor weldability with metals limits its usage. Recent research on surface metallization of AlN provides possible solutions, but they have some shortcomings. In this paper, the authors propose a method that uses laser induced surface metallization and laser sintering of silver (Ag) coatings to enhance the bonding performance between layers and improve the electrical conductivity.

CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL (2023)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Corrosion characterization of NiTi alloy by femtosecond laser surface processing

Qibiao Yang, Jie Wang, Ruonan Bian, Lie Chen, Jian Cheng, Deyuan Lou, Dun Liu

Summary: The study shows that the corrosion resistance of NiTi alloy surfaces with different wettabilities varies after femtosecond laser processing. Hydrophilic or hydrophobic surfaces are more vulnerable to corrosion, while superhydrophilic surfaces show improved corrosion resistance and superhydrophobic surfaces exhibit excellent corrosion resistance.

MATERIALS AND CORROSION-WERKSTOFFE UND KORROSION (2023)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Femtosecond Laser-Induced Hydrophobic Surface of NiTi Shape Memory Alloy and its Blood Compatibility

Pingfang Zhou, Yong Liu, Qingxin Chen, Hao Li, Ruonan Bian, Wan Xu, Qibiao Yang, Dun Liu

Summary: In this study, a femtosecond laser with a wavelength of 1030 nm was used to process the hydrophobic surface of NiTi SMA. The microstructure, chemical composition, surface roughness, and contact angle of NiTi SMA were evaluated using SEM, XPS, surface profiler, and contact angle meter. The results showed that increasing laser fluence led to an increase in surface roughness and contact angle, leading to improved blood compatibility of NiTi SMA surface. The superhydrophobic microstructure of NiTi SMA surface provides a new approach for enhancing the blood compatibility of medical implant materials.

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE (2023)

Article Crystallography

Laser Textured Superhydrophobic SiC Ceramic Surface and the Performance of Condensation Heat Transfer

Deyuan Lou, Gengxin Lu, Heng Li, Pengjian Chen, Qing Tao, Qibiao Yang, Dun Liu

Summary: Superhydrophobic SiC surfaces were prepared by laser texturing and heat treatment, overcoming the issues of time-consuming chemical modification, environmental contamination, and high cost. The laser-textured SiC surface became superhydrophobic after heat treatment, exhibiting improved heat transfer efficiency.

CRYSTALS (2023)

Article Physics, Applied

Capillary performance of vertically grooved wicks on laser-processed aluminum surfaces with different wettability

Lie Chen, Yifan Xu, Peter Bennett, Jian Cheng, Qibiao Yang, Dun Liu

Summary: This study investigates the effects of background wettability on the capillary performance of grooves. It is found that on a superhydrophobic background surface, the fastest water ascent in the grooves occurs when the width is between 0.1 and 0.2 mm, while on a superhydrophilic background surface, the fastest water rise is observed for groove widths of 0.3-0.4 mm. Moreover, water absorption is always highest on the superhydrophilic background surface for grooves of the same width. Therefore, the selection of background surface wetting should be based on the specific application requirements.

JOURNAL OF PHYSICS D-APPLIED PHYSICS (2023)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Femtosecond Laser Preparation and Biomineralizability of ZrO2 Ceramic Woven Surfaces

Qibiao Yang, Bojin Cheng, Hao Li, Yunhan You, Jian Cheng, Lie Chen, Deyuan Lou, Qianliang Li, Dun Liu

Summary: Using a femtosecond laser to create micro-nano structures on the surface of ZrO2 ceramics can improve the biomineralization effect. The deposition of HA particles on the laser-textured surface is denser and more uniform compared to the original surface, indicating that femtosecond laser processing can enhance the deposition efficiency of HA.

PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI A-APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS SCIENCE (2023)

Article Crystallography

Enhancement in the Capillary Performance of Aluminum Groove through Laser Textured Deposition

Deyuan Lou, Pengjian Chen, Hongliang Jiang, Dongchao Yang, Qibiao Yang, Qing Tao, Dun Liu

Summary: This study introduces a novel process, laser texture deposition (LTD) process, for enhancing the capillary performance of aluminum grooves. The results showed that the fluffy SiO2 layer deposited on the alumina fiber surface via the LTD process increased the fiber density and improved the capillary performance.

CRYSTALS (2023)

Article Materials Science, Multidisciplinary

Butt welding of SUS304 and Inconel718 tubes by using defocused laser beam

Jian Cheng, Feng Xie, Yulong Chen, Xingpeng Zhang, Zhongshen Zhai, Fengping Li, Dun Liu

Summary: This study used laser welding technology to join stainless steel and superalloy circular tubes, and investigated the effects of defocusing distance, welding speed, and laser power on welding characteristics. The results showed significant influences of different process parameters on the morphology and shape of the weld seam. In addition, finite element simulation software was used to analyze the temperature field distribution and revealed that adjusting laser power could effectively eliminate weld defects caused by beam acceleration and deceleration.

JOURNAL OF LASER APPLICATIONS (2023)

No Data Available