Use cases and specific addition amounts of nanocellulose as additives in the field of oil-water separation

The application of nanocellulose in the field of oil-water separation is mainly reflected in its modification of membrane materials, the use of surface adsorbents, and the improvement of the performance of filter materials. Nanocellulose has a high specific surface area, excellent adsorption properties and adjustable surface chemistry, making it an ideal additive for improving the efficiency and stability of oil-water separation materials.

1. Enhance the performance of oil-water separation membrane

Nanocellulose can be used to prepare oil-water separation membranes, or added as modifiers to existing membrane materials to enhance the hydrophilicity and pollution resistance of their surfaces, thereby improving oil-water separation efficiency.

• Case : Adding 0.5% to 2.0%** cellulose nanofibers (CNF) to polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes can significantly improve the hydrophilicity and oil pollution resistance of the membrane. Studies have shown that nanocellulose-modified membranes can achieve efficient separation rates (more than 95%) in oil and water mixtures.

2. Used for adsorbent modification

Nanocellulose can be used for surface coating or as a modifier for substrates to prepare efficient oil-water separation adsorbents. These adsorbents can be used to remove oil contaminants in water through physical adsorption or chemical bonding.

• Case : Coating a 1.0% to 3.0% carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) on the surface of a polyurethane sponge can significantly improve its oil absorption capacity and reduce moisture adsorption, making it suitable for oil stains in water. Remove.

3. As a reinforcement for filtering materials

Adding nanocellulose to the oil-water separation filter material can improve the mechanical strength of the material and the stability of the pore structure, thereby improving the separation effect and service life.

• Case : Adding 0.3% to 1.5%** TEMPO oxidized nanocellulose to polypropylene fiber filter material can enhance the tensile strength and oil resistance of the material and improve the efficiency of oil-water separation.

4. Surface modification improves performance

Through chemical modification (such as hydrophobization, oleophobicization, etc.), the surface properties of nanocellulose can be adjusted to accommodate different oil-water separation requirements. For example, silanized modified nanocellulose can enable the material to exhibit better hydrophobicity and lipophilicity, thereby adsorbing oil phases more efficiently.

Summary of the addition quantity

Typical additions for nanocellulose in oil-water separation applications range from 0.3% to 3.0% (mass fraction), depending on the desired separation properties and the type of material:

• Membrane modification : 0.5% to 2.0% to improve hydrophilicity and anti-pollution ability.

• Adsorbent : 1.0% to 3.0% , increasing oil absorption efficiency and reducing water adsorption.

• Filtration material enhancement : 0.3% to 1.5% , improving mechanical properties and separation efficiency.

The surface modification of nanocellulose (such as TEMPO oxidation and carboxylation) can further optimize its use effect in oil-water separation, making it widely applicable in different oil-water separation scenarios.