Fluoroalkylsilane-modified polystyrene-coated metal electrodes for sensitive electrochemical detection of oil in water
Description:
Overview of Technology
Water-resistant coating for metals to detect oil down to 0.1wt% in water, for use in case of oil spill incidents and separation.
Description of Technology
This is a super hydrophobic/super oleophobic polymeric coating material that can be used as a sensor for oil in water via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The coating is composed of precipitated polystyrene, polystyrene, and aluminum via simple drop‑cast and dipping methods. The prepared coated materials are strongly repellent to water, highly concentrated strong acids, strong bases, salt solutions, anti‑corrosion, self‑cleaning properties, and stable contact angles for oil and water even down to .01wt%.
Background on Technology
Conventional and current sensing techniques mainly involve the use of materials that require complicated fabrication and/or electronic devices, which are often expensive and require a sophisticated operation, data processing, and analysis methods. Mississippi State researchers strive for the simplicity of this invention as the prior art involves the complex use of materials and measurement devices. Also, the researchers report the first super oleophobic coating material capable of sensing oil in water.
Benefits
- Reduced cost
- The oil sensing material coating can be applied to a component on a large scale
- The oil sensing material coating can be applied to a metal-coated plastic
- Reduced simplicity
- Small form factor
- Good sensing fidelity
Applications
This coated metal can act as a sensor to help detect the presence of oil in water during a suspected oil spill accident, confirm operational and illegal discharges of oil from ships, and validate the efficiency of an oil/water separation process.
- Wastewater treatment plants
- Marine and shipping facilities
- Offshore oil drilling companies
- Sensor Manufacturers
- Equipment manufacturers for Oil & Gas Industry
- Equipment manufacturers for the Waste Management Industry