Controlling oil/water separation using oleophillic and hydrophobic coatings based on plasma technology

Abstract

Disposable and highly efficient device that can separate oil from water is in high demand. This work reveals the concept of oil/water separation using plasma technology. Copper coated, oxygen plasma-treated mesh has been used to separate oil and water from its mixture. At some critical conditions, the prepared coated mesh showed hydrophobic and oleophilic behavior. The coated mesh was used to separate the oil-water mixture, which allowed the oil to pass through, while it repelled water completely. The designed coated mesh maintained separation efficiency as high as 99 percent. Properties of coated and uncoated mesh were examined using various techniques and analyzed to understand the physical changes.