Bioinspired Diatomite Membrane with Selective Superwettability for Oil/Water Separation.

ABSTRACT: Membranes with selective superwettability for oil/water separation have received significant attention during the past decades. Hierarchical structures and surface roughness are believed to improve the oil repellency and the stability of Cassie-Baxter state. Diatoms, unicellular photosynthetic algae, possess sophisticated skeletal shells (called frustules) which are made of hydrated silica. Motivated by the hierarchical micro- and nanoscale features of diatom, we fabricate a hierarchical diatomite membrane which consists of aligned micro-sized channels by the freeze casting process. The fine nano-porous structures of frustules are well preserved after the post sintering process. The bioinspired diatomite membrane performs both underwater superoleophobicity and superhydrophobicity under var

SUBMITTER: Lo YH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5431206 | biostudies-literature | 2017 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature