Grantee Research Project Results
Final Report: A Novel 2D MoS2 Sponge Oil-Water Separator (MDSOS)
EPA Grant Number: SU839263Title: A Novel 2D MoS2 Sponge Oil-Water Separator (MDSOS)
Investigators: Lee, Woo Hyoung , Hwang, Jae-Hoon , Rodriguez, Kelsey , Jung, Yeonwoong , Mercado, Dianne , Thompson, Conner , Davis, Dwight , Church, Jared , Ko, Taejun
Institution: University of Central Florida
EPA Project Officer: Page, Angela
Phase: I
Project Period: February 1, 2018 through January 31, 2019
Project Amount: $15,000
RFA: P3 Awards: A National Student Design Competition for Sustainability Focusing on People, Prosperity and the Planet (2017) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: P3 Challenge Area - Safe and Sustainable Water Resources , P3 Awards , Sustainable and Healthy Communities
Objective:
The P3 Phase I project established and advanced fundamentals associated with a vision of conservation of our water and energy resources using an innovative sponge technology that could help clean waterways after an oil spill. The research objectives were to develop a low-weight, low-cost, non-toxic superhydrophobic porous substances based on two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles-incorporated microporous membrane and evaluate its performance and reusability for highly selective oil separation. The lifecycle of oil includes the extraction of the substance along with its transportation and utilization. Amongst these steps, leaks and spillage are a common occurrence resulting in water pollution. With the population and the demand for fuel rapidly increasing, it is critical to develop a sustainable method for treating oil-water mixtures. However, the traditional practices for such treatments often involve the application of chemical and dispersants, creating byproduct pollution. The disadvantages associated with the multitude of operational responses to oil spill demonstrate a clear motivation for a solution that would lead to less manpower needed and less toxins released during cleanup. The 2D MoS2 sponge oil-water separator (MDSOS) was designed to soak up the oil from the ocean, repelling water in the process. Since no chemicals are used for the cleanup, no water pollution is left behind. The innovative high-tech sponge system is an ideal candidate for promoting sustainability practices in a community and industries for oil-water separation.
Summary/Accomplishments (Outputs/Outcomes):
The UCF research team has successfully developed an oil-water separation sponge based on 2D MoS2-incorporated porous membranes and evaluated its performance on oil-water separation, reusability, and lifetime. The novel superhydrophobic sponge was fabricated by combining 2D nanostructured MoS2 and an elastomeric polymer (polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)) sponge with controlled geometries. The MoS2 coating and sponge morphology was confirmed using surface characterization methods (e.g., SEM and TEM). With a 50:1 mixing ratio of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) to MoS2, the microporous sponge showed well-defined wetting property with a 151.6° contact angle. The developed MDSOS sponge exhibited an excellent adsorption capacity of 93.1 wt (oil)/wt (sponge) for standard bilge mix (SBM) consisting of 50%(v/v) diesel fuel marine, 25%(v/v) steam lube oil, and 25%(v/v) diesel lube oil. Tests with other oils and organic solvents (benzene, petroleum ether, toluene, polyethylene glycol, hexane, acetone, and canola oil) also showed high adsorption capacities. Salinity, turbidity, and turbulence tests showed no interference on MDSOS performance. For repeatability, the collection of SBM using the fabricated MDSOS by pumping was successfully maintained for over 15 recycles without an obvious decrease in flux, indicating the sufficient reproducibility for oil recovery. The oil that is collected can then be reused for other purposes, making the prototype extremely efficient. The MDSOS technology has been featured in several media outlets (e.g., Spectrum News Channel 13, WFTV Channel 9, UCF Today, and the University Network).
Conclusions:
The goal of the P3 Phase I project was to promote a separation from recalcitrant oil-water mixtures, preventing secondary environmental pollution. Our results demonstrated that the superhydrophobic 2D MoS2 sponge technology is a feasible strategy for treating and recovering oil from water with effective oil separation capacity without hazardous by- products formation.
Proposed Phase II Objectives and Strategies: The objective of the Phase II proposal is to further develop the MDSOS technology in terms of stability for longer operation, scale-up of the technology for field applications, life cycle assessment, and education. Our strategies for the successful Phase II project are to 1) to improve the MDSOS performance for oil-water separation (optimization of MoS2 sponge porosity, alternative use as an oil spill detector), 2) to optimize the MDSOS system for scale-up, 3) to conduct life cycle assessment of the developed system, 4) to develop a MDSOS application guideline, and 5) to expand outreach activities: The Hive, UCF’s Society of Environmental Engineering (SEE), and UCF’s Engineering without Borders (EWB) to promote sustainable principles to community leaders, future leaders, industries, and beyond.
Journal Articles on this Report : 1 Displayed | Download in RIS Format
Other project views: | All 1 publications | 1 publications in selected types | All 1 journal articles |
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Type | Citation | ||
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Hwang JH, Islam MA, Choi H, Ko TJ, Rodriguez KL, Chung HS, Jung Y, Lee WH. Improving Electrochemical Pb2+ Detection Using a Vertically Aligned 2D MoS2 Nanofilm. Analytical chemistry 2019;91(18):11770-7. |
SU839263 (Final) SU839458 (Final) SV840021 (2021) |
Exit Exit Exit |
Supplemental Keywords:
Dispersants, MoS2, Oil recovery, Oil spill, Oil-water separation, Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic sponge, SurfactantsRelevant Websites:
UCF EPA P3 MDSOS Project Website Exit
UCF students work to develop sponge to clean oil spills Exit
UCF Students to Exhibit Oil-Cleanup Invention at D.C. Expo Exit
P3 Phase II:
A Novel 2D MoS2 Sponge Oil-Water Separator (MDSOS) | 2019 Progress Report | 2020 Progress Report | Final ReportThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.