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, micromorphology and wettability of the modified mesh were characterized. GO adhered more evenly to wire surface 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 separation 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.