Surfactant-Coated Solid Surface for Microplastic Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing microplastic particles in water, particularly microfibres from synthetic fibres, are ineffective in capturing smaller ecologically harmful fibres and require high energy and chemical usage in filtration processes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a solid surface coated with a non-ionic surfactant having an HLB value of 5 maximum, which effectively traps microplastic particles, including microfibres, by utilizing a suitable concentration and surface area to attract and retain these particles, reducing the need for small pore filters and chemical additives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filtration methods are used to remove microplastic particles, then some microfibres are captured, but smaller ecologically harmful fibres are not retained and the process requires high energy and chemical usage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameter of the filtration medium by using a non-ionic surfactant with specific HLB value (5 maximum) instead of conventional filtration materials. This parameter change enables the surface to selectively attract and retain microplastic particles through surfactant-microplastic interactions, achieving effective removal without requiring high energy input or additional chemical additives
Solution Approach 2:
The non-ionic surfactant acts as an intermediary substance between the solid surface and microplastic particles. The surfactant molecules adsorb onto the solid surface and simultaneously interact with microplastic particles, facilitating their retention. This intermediary mechanism enables effective microplastic capture while avoiding the need for high-energy conventional filtration methods
2Reliability
If conventional filtration products are used, then up to 78% of microfibres are removed, but the ability to retain smaller fibres is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention modifies the chemical composition parameter of the filtration surface by incorporating a non-ionic surfactant with HLB value of 5 maximum. This specific parameter change enhances the surface's ability to interact with and retain smaller microplastic fibres that conventional filters miss, while maintaining overall removal efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite functional surface combining a solid support material with a non-ionic surfactant layer. This composite structure leverages the mechanical properties of the solid surface and the chemical affinity properties of the surfactant, achieving superior retention of small fibres compared to conventional single-material filters
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 method achieves substantial removal of microplastic particles from water, including the smallest sizes, with reduced energy expenditure and potential for biodegradability and sustainability, applicable in domestic and industrial settings, including large water bodies.
Implementation Method 1
a solid surface on which is retained a non-ionic surfactant having an HLB value of 5 maximum in a concentration suitable for entrapping substantially all microplastic particles
Data Source
AI summary
A method of removing microplastic particles from a water-based liquid, comprising the exposure of the liquid to a solid surface on which is retained a sorbitan monooleate surfactant, in a concentration suitable for entrapping substantially all microplastic particles. The method is useful for removing microplastic particles and microfibres from fresh and saline natural waters, effluent water, such as grey water, storm water and waste waters from industrial processes, in addition to any kind of product based on water, such as mineral waters, milk, fruit juices, beverages, pharmaceutical and veterinary products.