Collection of nanoparticles at the air-liquid interface by surface tension gradients

Publication date: November 2019Source: Colloid and Interface Science Communications, Volume 33Author(s): Dong Liu, Ding Weng, Jiadao WangAbstractParticles such as nano-plastics at the air-liquid interface is harmful to the environment. Due to small size of the nanoparticles, expensive materials are needed to collect them such as ultrafiltration membranes. In our study, we propose an easy method to collect the nanoparticles at the air-liquid interface. Because surface tension of contaminated water is lower than that of deionized water, the surface tension gradient is used to transport the nanoparticles. In our study, we wet a strip with deionized water and then immerse one end of the wetting strip into contaminated water. Due to the surface tension gradient between the contaminated water and the deionized water, the nanoparticles at the surface of the contaminated water are transported to the surface of the strip. In addition, by adding a small amount of deionized water at the other end of the strip, the nanoparticles can be constantly collected. Furthermore, many materials can be used as the hydrophilic strip, such as glass, paper, and steel mesh.Graphical abstract
Source: Colloids and Interface Science Communications - Category: Nanotechnology Source Type: research