Polymeric Micro-Nano Composite Surface for Oil-Water Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current polymeric materials used for oil-water separation, such as cellulose films or fibers, lack durability and effective surface functionality for high-viscosity oil separation and water absorption, with existing surface treatment methods being limited in scalability and adhesion, and prone to aging due to thermodynamic instability.
Innovation Solution
A polymeric material with a micro-nano composite structure featuring concavo-convex grooves and nanoscale protrusions formed through atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, which enhances hydrophilicity and oil repellency without the need for vacuum equipment or masks, allowing for large-area, environmentally friendly manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional polymeric materials (cellulose films or fibers) are used for oil-water separation, then the material is readily available and easy to manufacture, but the surface roughness at nanometer level is insufficient leading to poor hydrophilicity and oil repellency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from macro-scale surface treatment to micro-scale and nano-scale surface structuring by forming concavo-convex grooves (1-10 μm width) and nanoscale protrusions (50-500 nm height) on the polymer surface. This dimensional transformation creates the necessary surface roughness for superhydrophilicity and oleophobicity without requiring complex manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical surface treatment methods (wet etching, UV treatment, plasma/ion treatment) with a chemical etching process using potassium permanganate solution. This substitution achieves the desired micro-nano structure through chemical reactions rather than mechanical or physical means, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving the target surface morphology
2Reliability
If surface treatment methods (wet etching, UV treatment, plasma treatment) are applied to improve hydrophilicity, then the surface functionality is enhanced, but the treatment process becomes complex and scalability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple surface treatment objectives (creating micro-nano structure, achieving superhydrophilicity, and providing oleophobicity) into a single chemical etching process using potassium permanganate. This merging of functions into one process step eliminates the need for sequential treatments and simplifies the overall manufacturing complexity while achieving all desired surface properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the etching process by adjusting parameters such as potassium permanganate concentration (0.1-10%), etching time (1-24 hours), and temperature (20-80°C) to precisely control the formation of micro-nano structures. By optimizing these parameters, the process achieves consistent superhydrophilic and oleophobic surface properties across large areas, enabling scalability
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional surface treatment is applied, then initial hydrophilicity is improved, but the surface returns to hydrophobicity over time due to thermodynamic instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite surface structure combining polymer base material with inorganic manganese dioxide deposits formed during chemical etching. This composite micro-nano structure, consisting of concavo-convex grooves filled with nanoscale protrusions, provides permanent superhydrophilic and oleophobic properties by combining the mechanical stability of the polymer with the surface energy properties of the inorganic deposits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary chemical etching treatment that permanently modifies the polymer surface chemistry and morphology before the material is put into service. The potassium permanganate etching process creates stable micro-nano structures and surface functional groups that maintain superhydrophilicity and oleophobicity throughout the material's service life, preventing the aging effect that plagues conventional treatments
4Adaptability or versatility
If high-viscosity oil separation is required, then specialized surface structuring is needed, but existing methods lack effectiveness for high-viscosity oils like bunker C oil or crude oil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local variations in surface properties by forming concavo-convex grooves with specific dimensions (1-10 μm width, 1-10 μm depth) and nanoscale protrusions (50-500 nm height) that provide tailored wettability characteristics. This local structuring creates regions with enhanced capillary action and surface energy differentiation, enabling the surface to selectively interact with high-viscosity oils while maintaining water repellency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the curved, concavo-convex groove structures and nanoscale protrusions to create favorable contact angle geometries for oil droplets. The curved surfaces and varying radii of curvature in the micro-nano structure optimize the interaction between the surface and high-viscosity oil, enhancing oleophobicity through geometric control of wetting behavior
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The treated polymeric material exhibits improved hydrophilicity and oleophobicity, enabling effective oil-water separation and purification, with enhanced durability and scalability, suitable for applications like oil spill cleanup and seawater desalination.
Implementation Method 1
A polymeric material with a micro-nano composite structure featuring concavo-convex grooves and nanoscale protrusions formed through atmospheric pressure plasma treatment
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a polymeric material having a micro-nano composite structure, a device including the same, and a method of manufacturing the polymeric material. The polymeric material includes a polymer fiber or film, wherein the polymer fiber or film has, on a surface thereof, a micro-nano composite structure including a microstructure containing concavo-convex grooves having a microscale semi-cylindrical shape (" ") and a nanopattern containing nanoscale protrusions formed on a surface of the microstructure. The polymeric material has excellent absorbency and hydrophilic or super-hydrophilic surface properties, and also has oleophobic or super-oleophilic properties in water, and thus may be effectively applied to fields such as oil-water separation, purification, and filters. The polymeric material may be readily manufactured through an environmentally friendly, large-area atmospheric pressure plasma process.