Surface manipulation for prevention of migratory viscous crude oil fouling in superhydrophilic membranes

Yuanyuan Zhao, Xiaobin Yang, Zhongjun Cheng, Cher Hon Lau, Jun Ma and Lu Shao ()
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Yuanyuan Zhao: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology
Xiaobin Yang: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology
Zhongjun Cheng: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology
Cher Hon Lau: The University of Edinburgh, The King’s Buildings
Jun Ma: Harbin Institute of Technology
Lu Shao: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology

Nature Communications, 2023, vol. 14, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Here, we present a proactive fouling prevention mechanism that endows superhydrophilic membranes with antifouling capability against migratory viscous crude oil fouling. By simulating the hierarchical architecture/chemical composition of a dahlia leaf, a membrane surface is decorated with wrinkled-pattern microparticles, exhibiting a unique proactive fouling prevention mechanism based on a synergistic hydration layer/steric hindrance. The density functional theory and physicochemical characterizations demonstrate that the main chains of the microparticles are bent towards Fe3+ through coordination interactions to create nanoscale wrinkled patterns on smooth microparticle surfaces. Nanoscale wrinkled patterns reduce the surface roughness and increase the contact area between the membrane surface and water molecules, expanding the steric hindrance between the oil molecules and membrane surface. Molecular dynamic simulations reveal that the water-molecule densities and strengths of the hydrogen bonds are higher near the resultant membrane surface. With this concept, we can successfully inhibit the initial adhesion, migration, and deposition of oil, regardless of the viscosity, on the membrane surface and achieve migratory viscous crude oil antifouling. This research on the PFP mechanism opens pathways to realize superwettable materials for diverse applications in fields related to the environment, energy, health, and beyond.

Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38419-3

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