Optimization of graphene oxide modified mesh for separation of O/W emulsions

Graphene oxide (GO) modified mesh was prepared by dip-coating with stainless steel mesh as substrate and GO as modification material for separating O/W emulsions. The chemical composition, micromor-phology and wettability of the modified mesh were characterized. GO adhered more evenly to wire sur-face of the higher-mesh, making higher-mesh modified mesh surface more hydrophilic-underwater oleophobic. The effects of mesh number, modification time and stacking layers on water flux and sepa-ration efficiency were studied through step-by-step optimization. It was concluded that the triple-layer 2800 mesh secondary modified mesh exhibited the best separation performance considering both water flux and separation efficiency. On this basis, the optimal modified mesh was comprehensively tested by varying the temperature, salt content, pH value and oil physical properties. The separation performance also proved favorable in terms of stability and durability. Therefore, the proposed GO modified mesh exhibits significant advantages and industrial application prospects for separating O/W emulsions.CO 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Graphene oxide (GO) modified mesh was prepared for separating O/W emulsions. The modified mesh exhibited improved hydrophilicity and underwater oleophobicity. Optimization of mesh number, modification time, and stacking layers led to the development of a triple-layer 2800 mesh secondary modified mesh with the best separation performance. The proposed GO modified mesh showed favorable stability and durability, indicating promising industrial application prospects.