TiO2/Sulfonated Graphene Oxide/Ag Membrane for Oil-Water Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials are inadequate for efficient separation and degradation of oil-water emulsions and organic dyes, particularly in sewage treatment and renewable energy applications.
Innovation Solution
A titanium dioxide/sulfonated graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle composite membrane is prepared through solvothermal and hydrothermal methods, with silver nanoparticles deposited on titanium dioxide nanorod arrays using a copper mesh, exhibiting super hydrophobic properties and photocatalytic effects for effective oil-water separation and dye degradation under UV light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional materials are used for oil-water separation, then the separation process is simple, but the degradation of organic dyes cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines oil-water separation and organic dye degradation functions into a single composite membrane by integrating titanium dioxide nanorods with sulfonated graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles. This merging of functions allows the membrane to simultaneously separate oil-water emulsions and degrade organic dyes under UV irradiation, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite material structure consisting of titanium dioxide nanorods, sulfonated graphene oxide, and silver nanoparticles. This composite structure provides both the superhydrophobic properties needed for oil-water separation and the photocatalytic activity required for dye degradation, enabling dual functionality within a single membrane system.
2Productivity
If superhydrophobic properties are enhanced for better oil separation, then separation efficiency improves, but material stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a hierarchical surface structure with titanium dioxide nanorods that provides superhydrophobic properties at the surface level for efficient oil separation, while the bulk composite structure maintains mechanical stability. The sulfonated graphene oxide and silver nanoparticles are distributed within the matrix to reinforce structural integrity without compromising surface hydrophobicity.
3Productivity
If photocatalytic degradation is activated under UV light, then dye degradation efficiency improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the membrane by incorporating silver nanoparticles that can enhance photocatalytic activity and potentially extend absorption into the visible light range. This parameter change allows the system to utilize a broader spectrum of light energy, improving dye degradation efficiency while reducing reliance on high-energy UV radiation.
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 composite membrane achieves high separation efficiency and stability, allowing for one-step emulsion separation and dye degradation, with excellent reusability and durability, suitable for industrial-scale water pollution control.
Implementation Method 1
preparation of a silver nanoparticle/sulfonated graphene oxide composite material by a reduction reaction
Implementation Method 2
super hydrophobic oil underwater/super hydrophobic under oil compound membrane material with special wettability
Implementation Method 3
photocatalytic effect under UV light
Implementation Method 4
deposited on said titanium dioxide nanorods arrays by vacuum deposition
Data Source
AI summary
Titanium dioxide/sulfonated graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle composite membrane and its preparation method and application are disclosed. Mixing graphene oxide, sodium chloroethanesulfonate, and sodium hydroxide uniformly in the water, and then adding concentrated nitric acid to obtain sulfonated graphene oxide; mixing the aqueous solution of said sulfonated graphene oxide with the aqueous solution of silver nitrate, stirring in the dark, then adding ascorbic acid, and continuing to stir to obtain a silver nanoparticle/sulfonated graphene oxide composite material; dispersing said silver nanoparticle/sulfonated graphene oxide composite material in water, and then deposited on said titanium dioxide nanorods arrays by vacuum deposition, and vacuum dried to obtain titanium dioxide/sulfonated graphene oxide/silver nanoparticle composite membrane. The membrane possessed photocatalytic effect under UV light and special wettability: super-hydrophobic oil under water/super-hydrophobic under oil, which could in situ separation and degradation of oil/water emulsion.