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Development of robust, fouling-resistant superhydrophilic membranes for the efficient removal of combined microplastic and oil contamination
Original title: Ontwikkeling van robuuste, vervuilingsbestendige superhydrofiele membranen voor de efficiënte verwijdering van gecombineerde microplastic- en olieverontreinigingen
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Scientists are developing a special water filter that can tackle a tricky problem: microplastics and oil often team up in polluted water, clogging regular filters and making cleanup harder. This new filter has a water-loving coating that lets clean water pass through while blocking both oil droplets and microplastic particles, staying effective longer without getting gunked up. Better filtration technology like this could eventually help reduce the amount of microplastics and oil-based pollutants that end up in our drinking water and environment.
Microplastics and oily contaminants frequently coexist in aquatic environments and may interact to form more complex microplastic-oil co-contaminants. These combined pollutants are difficult to remove using conventional treatment methods because they can cause severe membrane fouling, pore blockage and reduced separation efficiency. This PhD project focuses on the construction of robust antifouling superhydrophilic membranes for the efficient removal of microplastic-oil co-contaminants from water. The research aims to regulate membrane surface wettability, interfacial chemistry and surface morphology through bioinspired interfacial engineering strategies. In particular, polyphenol/amine co-deposition, host-guest complexation and metal-phenolic coordination are explored to construct stable hydrophilic interfaces on hydrophobic membrane substrates. These modified membranes are designed to form a hydrated barrier that allows water to pass through while repelling oil droplets and microplastic particles. In addition, surface structural regulation is used to improve fouling resistance and maintain water transport during long-term filtration. This work contributes to the development of advanced membrane materials for complex wastewater treatment. By combining high water permeability, efficient contaminant rejection and enhanced antifouling performance, the developed membranes provide a promising strategy for addressing emerging microplastic-oil co-contamination in aquatic environments.
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