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Janus Copper Mesh Film with Unidirectional Water Transportation Ability toward High Efficiency Oil/Water Separation
Zhongjun Cheng1, Bohan Wang2,1, Hua Lai2
1Natural Science Research Center, Academy of Fundamental and Interdisciplinary Sciences, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, Heilongjiang, 150090, China.
Abstract:
Inspired by the special asymmetric wettability and controllable permeation function of cell membranes, we report a Janus nanostructured copper mesh film with unidirectional water transportation ability. Water can permeate from the hydrophobic side to the hydrophilic side, but is retained in the opposite direction. Notably, based on this special unidirectional water permeation property, both heavy oil/water mixtures (ρoil >ρwater ) and light oil/water mixtures (ρoil <ρwater ) can be separated. Additionally, the film demonstrates high separation efficiency and good recyclability. This paper reports a new Janus film that achieved highly efficient oil/water separation based on smart control of the wettability of the film. It is believed to have the potential to be used in many practical applications, such as wastewater treatment and oil-spill cleanup.
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