(506h) Wettability Altered Microfluidic Membrane-Base Separation Device for Emulsion Separation

Efficient separation of oil and water from emulsified wastewater is a critical challenge in both industrial and environmental management. In this context, this study investigates the integration of membrane filtration with microfluidic technology as a novel approach to enhance separation performance. We developed cost-effective PDMS-based microfluidic devices incorporating both untreated and graphene oxide (GO)-modified membranes and evaluated their efficiency under various flow conditions. The 50 µm untreated membranes achieved a separation efficiency of 100% at lower flow rates (2 mL/h), but this performance decreased with higher flow rates due to the hydrophobic nature of PDMS. GO treatment improved the membrane’s wettability, leading to better separation at lower flow rates; however, it also introduced some water leakage at higher flow rates, reducing efficiency to about 77% at 10 mL/h. In contrast, 200 µm membranes demonstrated more consistent performance. Untreated versions exhibited variable efficiency, while GO-treated 200 µm membranes maintained a high % separation efficiency of 100% across all tested flow rates, providing stable and reliable performance. This study underscores the significance of membrane pore size and surface treatment in optimizing separation efficiency and stability. The findings highlight the potential of combining membrane filtration with microfluidic technology for effective oily wastewater management, with implications for both industrial and environmental applications.

Acknowledgement

The authors acknowledge financial support from Khalifa University through project CIRA-2020-034, and Center for Catalysis and Separations (CeCaS) for lab support and instrumentation facilities.