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Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Comparison of Scale in a Photosynthetic Reactor System for Algal Remediation of Wastewater
Published on: March 6, 2017
MXene/Cuttlefish-Ink Nanoparticles Incorporated Dual-Purification Sponge for Solar-Driven Oily Wastewater and
Huixuan Sun1,2, Qirui Gong3, Lihong Fan1,2,3
1Sanya Science and Education Innovation Park of Wuhan University of Technology, Sanya 572024, China.
This study introduces a novel composite sponge made from cuttlefish-ink nanoparticles (CINPs), MXene, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). This advanced material efficiently absorbs oil and removes microplastics from water using solar energy.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Increasing microplastic pollution and oily wastewater necessitate advanced, eco-friendly remediation materials.
- Current solutions often lack recyclability, multifunctionality, or efficient pollutant removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel composite polyurethane (PU) sponge for effective oil-water separation and microplastic remediation.
- To leverage synergistic properties of cuttlefish-ink nanoparticles (CINPs), MXene, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) for enhanced performance.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a composite sponge integrating CINPs, Ti3C2Tx MXene, and PDMS onto a PU base.
- Characterization of the sponge's photothermal conversion efficiency, superhydrophobicity, and structural stability.
- Evaluation of oil absorption capacity, oil-water separation efficiency, and microplastic adsorption performance.
Main Results:
- The CINPs@MXene/PU/PDMS sponge exhibited high photothermal conversion efficiency, reaching 84.1 °C under 1.5 Sun irradiation.
- Demonstrated efficient crude oil absorption (24.52 g/g saturated capacity) and rapid adsorption rates.
- Showcased remarkable adsorption capabilities for both microplastics and nanoplastics.
Conclusions:
- The developed composite sponge is a versatile and scalable platform for environmental remediation.
- It offers a promising solution for oily wastewater treatment, solar-assisted oil recovery, and microplastic removal.
- This material contributes to sustainable environmental protection efforts through its multifunctional capabilities.
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