We published in the Chemical Engineering Journal, presenting a novel one-step fabrication method for robust superwetting materials

Our new publication in Chemical Engineering Journal reports a novel approach to fundamentally overcome the limitations of surface morphology controllability, material robustness, separation flux and preparation efficiency, providing a critical tool for the design of superwetting functional materials

Motivations:

Heretofore, a large number of strategies have been proposed to create superwetting surfaces. These surfaces enable a range of fascinating functionalities but suffer from drawbacks such as lengthy processing times and low preparation efficiency. Generally, these strategies rely on complex multi-step processes, involving stepwise procedures for creating rough morphologies and reducing surface energy. This stepwise approach is limited by the non-uniform superwetting surfaces and internal structures and uncontrollable film-forming properties. As a result, the created structures inevitably suffer from limited structural durability and chemical reliability, not to mention increased production costs associated with the secondary transfer step, thereby preventing their widespread practical applications. Thus, it is imperative to develop one-step, economical, rapid, and scalable strategies for the direct manufacture of robust superwetting materials.

The main point of this report:

In a unique angle of view, this study aimed to modulate Zn depositing kinetics through one-step electrodeposition technique, which serves for the formation of Zn (002) plane hexagonal platelet orientation, while inhibiting irregular zinc dendrite growth. The innovative aspect of this study lies in that zinc crystal growth influenced by Mn additive, deposition current density, and deposition time is unveiled in detail. We demonstrated that this approach can achieve high oil-water separation efficiency and flux (55.58 kL/m2h) by combining size sieving with stainless steel mesh screening. We view this approach as a useful example in the one-step morphological construction strategy recently developed by our team, as it greatly enhances the robustness of the zinc coating. Furthermore, this method represents an important advancement in electrodeposition technology, expanding the applicability of traditional electrodeposited materials, significantly reducing preparation time (15 min) and enhancing the controllability and consistency of production. This study opens new possibilities for the economically efficient, large-scale production of superwetting materials.

More details:

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2024.155369