Functional flax fiber with UV-induced switchable wettability for multipurpose oil-water separation

doi:10.1007/s11783-022-1588-6

Front. Environ. Sci. Eng.

2022, Vol. 16

Issue (12) : 153 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11783-022-1588-6

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Functional flax fiber with UV-induced switchable wettability for multipurpose oil-water separation

Xiujuan Chen^1,², Yunqiu Liu², Gordon Huang³(

), Chunjiang An⁴, Renfei Feng⁵, Yao Yao³, Wendy Huang¹, Shuqing Weng⁶

¹. Department of Civil Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary Alberta T2N 1N4, Canada
². Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Communities, University of Regina, Regina Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
³. Environmental Systems Engineering, University of Regina, Regina Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
⁴. Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal Quebec H3G 1M8, Canada
⁵. Canadian Light Source, Saskatoon SK S7N 2V3, Canada
⁶. McElhanney Inc, Cranbrook British Columbia V1C 7H9, Canada

Download: PDF(19578 KB) HTML
Export: BibTeX | EndNote | Reference Manager | ProCite | RefWorks

Abstract

● A PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber with UV-induced switchable wettability was developed.

● The property of flax fiber could be switched from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity.

● The mechanism of the acquired UV-induced switchable wettability was discussed.

● The developed flax fiber was successfully used for multipurpose oil-water separation.

The large number of oily wastewater discharges and oil spills are bringing about severe threats to environment and human health. Corresponding to this challenge, a functional PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber with UV-induced switchable wettability was developed for efficient oil-water separation in this study. The developed flax fiber was obtained through PAA grafted polymerization and then ZnO-HDTMS nanocomposite immobilization. The as-prepared PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber was hydrophobic initially and could be switched to hydrophilic through UV irradiation. Its hydrophobicity could be easily recovered through being stored in dark environment for several days. To optimize the performance of the PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber, the effects of ZnO and HDTMS concentrations on its switchable wettability were investigated. The optimized PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber had a large water contact angle (~130°) in air and an extremely small oil contact angle (~0°) underwater initially. After UV treatment, the water contact angle was decreased to 30°, while the underwater oil contact angle was increased to more than 150°. Based on this UV-induced switchable wettability, the developed PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber was applied to remove oil from immiscible oil-water mixtures and oil-in-water emulsion with great reusability for multiple cycles. Thus, the developed flax fiber could be further fabricated into oil barrier or oil sorbent for oil-water separation, which could be an environmentally-friendly alternative in oil spill response and oily wastewater treatment.

Keywords Flax fiber Switchable wettability ZnO-HDTMS coating Oil-water separation

Corresponding Author(s): Gordon Huang

Issue Date: 15 June 2022

Cite this article:

Xiujuan Chen,Yunqiu Liu,Gordon Huang, et al. Functional flax fiber with UV-induced switchable wettability for multipurpose oil-water separation[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2022, 16(12): 153.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/10.1007/s11783-022-1588-6
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fese/EN/Y2022/V16/I12/153

Fig.1 Process flow diagram of the fabrication for PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber.

Tab.1 Initial water contact angles of the PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fibers and UV exposure time to switch wettability

Fig.2 (a and b) Initial water contact angles of the fresh PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fibers under different combinations of HDTMS and nano-ZnO concentrations, and (c) surface hydrophobicity recovery of the UV-treated PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber after stored in dark environment.

Fig.3 SEM images and EDX results of the original flax fiber (a, b), fresh PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber (c, d), and UV-treated PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber (e, f).

Fig.4 (a) Synchrotron-based XRF spectra on flax fiber surfaces, and Zn concentration distributions on the surfaces of: (b) the original flax fiber, (c) the fresh PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber, and (d) the UV-treated PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber.

Fig.5 (a) Synchrotron-based FTIR spectra of PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fibers; Synchrotron-based FTIR images of PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber for –CH₂– (b, c) and –CH₃ (d, e) before and after UV treatment.

Fig.6 Nanostructure on the PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber surface and the mechanism of the UV-induced switchable wettability.

Fig.7 The performances of (a) fresh PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber as oil filter for the separation of immiscible heavy oil-water mixture, and (b) UV-treated PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber as oil barrier for the separation of immiscible light oil-water mixture and (c) the corresponding cycling tests.

Fig.8 The performances of the fresh PAA-ZnO-HDTMS flax fiber as oil sorbent to separate oil and water from immiscible mixtures containing (a) light oil and (b) heavy oil, and (c) oil-in-water emulsion and (d) the corresponding cycling tests.

1	N Agrawal , J S J Tan , P S Low , E W M Fong , Y Lai , Z Chen . (2019). Green synthesis of robust superhydrophobic antibacterial and UV-blocking cotton fabrics by a dual-stage silanization approach. Advanced Materials Interfaces, 6( 11): 1900032 https://doi.org/10.1002/admi.201900032
2	C Ao , R Hu , J Zhao , X Zhang , Q Li , T Xia , W Zhang , C Lu . (2018). Reusable, salt-tolerant and superhydrophilic cellulose hydrogel-coated mesh for efficient gravity-driven oil/water separation. Chemical Engineering Journal, 338 : 271– 277 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.01.045
3	O Babamiri , A Vanaei , X Guo , P Wu , A Richter , K Ng . (2021). Numerical simulation of water quality and self-purification in a mountainous river using QUAL2KW. Journal of Environmental Informatics, 37( 1): 26– 35
4	U Baig , M Faizan , M A Dastageer . (2021). Polyimide based super-wettable membranes/materials for high performance oil/water mixture and emulsion separation: A review. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science, 297 : 102525 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cis.2021.102525
5	H Bi , C An , X Chen , E Owens , K Lee . (2020). Investigation into the oil removal from sand using a surface washing agent under different environmental conditions. Journal of Environmental Management, 275 : 111232 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111232
6	L Boulos , M R Foruzanmehr , A Tagnit-Hamou , S Elkoun , M Robert . (2017). Wetting analysis and surface characterization of flax fibers modified with zirconia by sol-gel method. Surface and Coatings Technology, 313 : 407– 416 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2017.02.008
7	Y Cao , B Zhang , Z Zhu , M Rostami , G Dong , J Ling , K Lee , C W Greer , B Chen . (2021). Access-dispersion-recovery strategy for enhanced mitigation of heavy crude oil pollution using magnetic nanoparticles decorated bacteria. Bioresource Technology, 337 : 125404 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2021.125404
8	X Chen , G Huang , C An , R Feng , Y Wu , C Huang . (2019a). Plasma-induced PAA-ZnO coated PVDF membrane for oily wastewater treatment: Preparation, optimization, and characterization through Taguchi OA design and synchrotron-based X-ray analysis. Journal of Membrane Science, 582 : 70– 82 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2019.03.091
9	X Chen , G Huang , C An , R Feng , Y Wu , C Huang . (2022). Superwetting polyethersulfone membrane functionalized with ZrO2 nanoparticles for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon removal. Journal of Materials Science and Technology, 98 : 14– 25 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2021.01.063
10	X Chen , G Huang , C An , R Feng , Y Yao , S Zhao , C Huang , Y Wu . (2019b). Plasma-induced poly(acrylic acid)-TiO2 coated polyvinylidene fluoride membrane for produced water treatment: Synchrotron X-Ray, optimization, and insight studies. Journal of Cleaner Production, 227 : 772– 783 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.04.226
11	T Dong , G Xu , F Wang . (2015). Adsorption and adhesiveness of kapok fiber to different oils. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 296 : 101– 111 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2015.03.040
12	B Doshi , M Sillanpää , S Kalliola . (2018). A review of bio-based materials for oil spill treatment. Water Research, 135 : 262– 277 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.02.034
13	A H Karoyo , L Dehabadi , W Alabi , C J Simonson , L D Wilson . (2020). Hydration and sorption properties of raw and milled flax fibers. ACS Omega, 5( 11): 6113– 6121 https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.0c00100
14	F Kazemi , Y Jafarzadeh , S Masoumi , M Rostamizadeh . (2021). Oil-in-water emulsion separation by PVC membranes embedded with GO-ZnO nanoparticles. Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 9( 1): 104992 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2020.104992
15	F Li , Z Wang , S Huang , Y Pan , X Zhao . (2018a). Flexible, durable, and unconditioned superoleophobic/superhydrophilic surfaces for controllable transport and oil–water separation. Advanced Functional Materials, 28( 20): 1706867 https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.201706867
16	J J Li , Y N Zhou , Z H Luo . (2018b). Polymeric materials with switchable superwettability for controllable oil/water separation: A comprehensive review. Progress in Polymer Science, 87 : 1– 33 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2018.06.009
17	Y Liang , G Huang , X Xin , Y Yao , Y Li , J Yin , X Li , Y Wu , S Gao . (2022). Black titanium dioxide nanomaterials for photocatalytic removal of pollutants: A review. Journal of Materials Science and Technology, 112 : 239– 262 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmst.2021.09.057
18	Y Liu , G Huang , C An , X Chen , P Zhang , R Feng , W Xiong . (2020). Use of Nano-TiO2 self-assembled flax fiber as a new initiative for immiscible oil/water separation. Journal of Cleaner Production, 249 : 119352 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119352
19	M A Mahmoud . (2020). Oil spill cleanup by raw flax fiber: Modification effect, sorption isotherm, kinetics and thermodynamics. Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 13( 6): 5553– 5563 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arabjc.2020.02.014
20	C F Medina-Sandoval , J A Valencia-Dávila , M Y Combariza , C Blanco-Tirado . (2018). Separation of asphaltene-stabilized water in oil emulsions and immiscible oil/water mixtures using a hydrophobic cellulosic membrane. Fuel, 231 : 297– 306 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2018.05.066
21	M J Nine , S Kabiri , A K Sumona , T T Tung , M M Moussa , D Losic . (2020). Superhydrophobic/superoleophilic natural fibres for continuous oil-water separation and interfacial dye-adsorption. Separation and Purification Technology, 233 : 116062 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2019.116062
22	M Rodrigues , R Martins , J Rogeiro , A Fortunato , A Oliveira , A Cravo , J Jacob , A Rosa , A Azevedo , P Freire . (2021). A web-based observatory for biogeochemical assessment in coastal regions. Journal of Environmental Informatics, 38( 1): 1– 15 https://doi.org/10.3808/jei.202100450
23	P Talebizadehsardari J Seyfi I Hejazi A Eyvazian M Khodaie S Seifi S M Davachi H Bahmanpour ( 2020). Enhanced chemical and mechanical durability of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic nanocomposite coatings on cotton fabric for reusable oil/water separation applications. Colloids and Surfaces. A, Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, 603: 125204
24	K V Udayakumar , P M Gore , B Kandasubramanian . (2021). Foamed materials for oil-water separation. Chemical Engineering Journal Advances, 5 : 100076 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceja.2020.100076
25	X Wang , S Xu , Y Tan , J Du , J Wang . (2016). Synthesis and characterization of a porous and hydrophobic cellulose-based composite for efficient and fast oil-water separation. Carbohydrate Polymers, 140 : 188– 194 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2015.12.028
26	Z Wang , C An , X Chen , K Lee , B Zhang , Q Feng . (2021). Disposable masks release microplastics to the aqueous environment with exacerbation by natural weathering. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 417 : 126036 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2021.126036
27	A Xie , J Cui , Y Chen , J Lang , C Li , Y Yan , J Dai . (2019). One-step facile fabrication of sustainable cellulose membrane with superhydrophobicity via a sol-gel strategy for efficient oil/water separation. Surface and Coatings Technology, 361 : 19– 26 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2019.01.040
28	L Yan , J Li , W Li , F Zha , H Feng , D Hu . (2016). A photo-induced ZnO coated mesh for on-demand oil/water separation based on switchable wettability. Materials Letters, 163 : 247– 249 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matlet.2015.10.051
29	J Yin , G Huang , C An , R Feng . (2021). Nanocellulose enhances the dispersion and toxicity of ZnO NPs to green algae Eremosphaera viridis. Environmental Science. Nano, 9 : 393– 405 https://doi.org/10.1039/D1EN00881A
30	J Yong , F Chen , Q Yang , Y Fang , J Huo , X Hou . (2015). Femtosecond laser induced hierarchical ZnO superhydrophobic surfaces with switchable wettability. Chemical Communications (Cambridge), 51( 48): 9813– 9816 https://doi.org/10.1039/C5CC02939B
31	Y Yoo , H Park , Y Choi , J Jung , H Song , J Kim , H Cho . (2021). Method for determining optimum operational conditions of microbubble scrubber using image processing. Journal of Environmental Informatics, 38( 2): 83– 92 https://doi.org/10.3808/jei.202100457
32	R Yue , C An , Z Ye , S Gao , X Chen , B Zhang , K Lee , H Bi . (2022). A pH-responsive phosphoprotein surface washing fluid for cleaning oiled shoreline: Performance evaluation, biotoxicity analysis, and molecular dynamic simulation. Chemical Engineering Journal, 437 : 135336 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.135336
33	J Zhang , R Chen , J Liu , Q Liu , J Yu , H Zhang , X Jing , M Zhang , J Wang . (2019). Construction of ZnO@Co3O4-loaded nickel foam with abrasion resistance and chemical stability for oil/water separation. Surface and Coatings Technology, 357 : 244– 251 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.surfcoat.2018.09.042
34	Z Zhu , X Song , Y Cao , B Chen , K Lee , B Zhang . (2022). Recent advancement in the development of new dispersants as oil spill treating agents. Current Opinion in Chemical Engineering, 36 : 100770 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coche.2021.100770

[1]

FSE-22033-OF-CXJ_suppl_1

Download

[1]	Abdul Halim, Lusi Ernawati, Maya Ismayati, Fahimah Martak, Toshiharu Enomae. Bioinspired cellulose-based membranes in oily wastewater treatment[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2022, 16(7): 94-.
[2]	Zhichao Wu, Chang Zhang, Kaiming Peng, Qiaoying Wang, Zhiwei Wang. Hydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic graphene oxide membrane intercalated by TiO₂ nanotubes for oil/water separation[J]. Front. Environ. Sci. Eng., 2018, 12(3): 15-.

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed