Figure 1: In situ observation and schematic of the oil collection process. | Nature Communications

Figure 1: In situ observation and schematic of the oil collection process.

From: Structured cone arrays for continuous and effective collection of micron-sized oil droplets from water

Figure 1

(a) In situ observation of the oil collection process on a smooth Cu-based needle. The collected oil droplets moved upwards as they combined. (b) In situ observation of the oil collection process on a rough Cu-based needle. The collected oil formed a growing droplet (nanolitre to picolitre scale), and when the droplet was driven upwards, a fresh surface was left for another cycle. (c) SEM image of a smooth Cu-based needle. (d) SEM image of a rough Cu-based needle. (e,f) Top views of TCLs and mechanism of roughness enhancement. The smooth needle is on the left side, the rough needle is on the right side and the red lines indicate the TCLs. (g) Schematic of the oil collection process. Micron-sized oil droplets deposit on the needle. The collected oil droplet grows and is then driven upwards. (h) Estimation of forces when a droplet is in the clam-shell shape. FL is the vertical component of the force induced by the Laplace pressure. FH is the hysteresis resistance force. Scale bars, (a,b): 30 μm; (c,d): 5 μm.

Back to article page