Nature Communications ( IF 14.7 ) Pub Date : 2023-05-09 , DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38419-3
Yuanyuan Zhao 1 , Xiaobin Yang 1 , Zhongjun Cheng 1 , Cher Hon Lau 2 , Jun Ma 3 , Lu Shao 1
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Here, we present a proactive fouling prevention mechanism that endows superhydrophilic membranes with antifouling capability against migratory viscous crude oil fouling. By simulating the hierarchical architecture/chemical composition of a dahlia leaf, a membrane surface is decorated with wrinkled-pattern microparticles, exhibiting a unique proactive fouling prevention mechanism based on a synergistic hydration layer/steric hindrance. The density functional theory and physicochemical characterizations demonstrate that the main chains of the microparticles are bent towards Fe3+ through coordination interactions to create nanoscale wrinkled patterns on smooth microparticle surfaces. Nanoscale wrinkled patterns reduce the surface roughness and increase the contact area between the membrane surface and water molecules, expanding the steric hindrance between the oil molecules and membrane surface. Molecular dynamic simulations reveal that the water-molecule densities and strengths of the hydrogen bonds are higher near the resultant membrane surface. With this concept, we can successfully inhibit the initial adhesion, migration, and deposition of oil, regardless of the viscosity, on the membrane surface and achieve migratory viscous crude oil antifouling. This research on the PFP mechanism opens pathways to realize superwettable materials for diverse applications in fields related to the environment, energy, health, and beyond.
中文翻译:

防止超亲水膜中迁移粘性原油污染的表面操作
在这里,我们提出了一种主动的防污机制,赋予超亲水膜对迁移粘性原油污垢的防污能力。通过模拟大丽花叶的层次结构/化学成分,膜表面装饰有皱纹图案微粒,展示了基于协同水化层/空间位阻的独特主动防污机制。密度泛函理论和物理化学表征表明微粒的主链向 Fe 3+弯曲通过协调相互作用在光滑的微粒表面上形成纳米级皱纹图案。纳米级皱纹图案降低了表面粗糙度并增加了膜表面与水分子之间的接触面积,扩大了油分子与膜表面之间的空间位阻。分子动力学模拟表明,水分子密度和氢键强度在所得膜表面附近更高。通过这一理念,我们可以成功地抑制油品在膜表面的初始粘附、迁移和沉积,无论粘度如何,实现迁移粘性原油防污。这项关于 PFP 机制的研究为实现超润湿材料在环境、能源、健康、