by A team of researchers from the ITA, the University of Bonn, and Heimbach GmbH have developed a groundbreaking method for removing oil spills from water surfaces. This energy-saving and cost-effective solution utilizes a technical textile integrated into a floating container, allowing for the self-driven and sustainable removal of oil without the use of toxic substances. The findings of their study were recently published in the journal Separations.
Despite the increasing adoption of renewable energy sources, the global production and consumption of oil, as well as the risk of oil pollution, have continued to rise over the past two decades. In 2022 alone, global oil production reached a staggering 4.4 billion tons. Oil-related accidents during extraction, transportation, and usage often result in severe and sometimes irreversible environmental damage, posing significant threats to both ecosystems and human health.
While there are various methods available for removing oil pollution from water surfaces, they all have their limitations, particularly when it comes to inland water bodies. In search of new solutions, the researchers looked to biology for inspiration. They discovered that certain species, such as the floating fern Salvinia molesta, possess remarkable oil adsorption properties, allowing them to separate oil from water surfaces and transport it on their leaves.
Drawing from this natural phenomenon, the researchers developed a superhydrophobic spacer fabric that can be produced on an industrial scale. This bio-inspired textile can then be incorporated into a device called the Bionic Oil Adsorber (BOA), designed specifically for oil-water separation. The BOA works by fixing the textile within a floating container, ensuring direct contact with the oil film while extending into the container.
The oil is adsorbed and transported through the textile solely by capillary forces, even against gravity. As it reaches the end of the textile in the collection container, the oil is released due to gravitational forces and accumulates at the bottom. This innovative oil separation device operates without the need for additional energy, as the surface properties of the textile enable the oil to be separated from the surrounding water and propelled through the textile.
Currently, each BOA device can remove up to 4 liters of diesel within an hour, equivalent to approximately 100 m2 of oil film on a water surface. Importantly, the BOA technology demonstrates cost-effectiveness compared to conventional oil sorbents. While the initial production costs of the functionalized knitted spacer textile may be higher than those of nonwovens, the overall costs are considerably lower in relation to the amount of oil removed. The BOA textile is estimated to be 5 to 13 times cheaper when compared to other oil-binding nonwovens.
The researchers have shown that the biomimetic BOA technology is highly efficient and sustainable, enabling the self-controlled separation and automatic collection of oil films from water. The versatility of the textile also suggests potential applications in various separation processes. The team is currently working on further developments to optimize the product, with the goal of bringing it to market within the next two to three years. In addition to open water applications, the BOA can also be adapted for use in inland waters.
Overall, this innovative solution paves the way for a more effective and environmentally friendly approach to oil spill cleanup, reducing the impact on ecosystems and advancing sustainability in oil-related industries.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
