title: A Simple and Universal Technique To Extract One- and Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials from Contaminated Water.
abstract: We demonstrate a universal approach to extract one- and two-dimensional nanomaterials from contaminated water, which is based on a microscopic oil-water interface trapping mechanism. Results indicate that carbon nanotubes, graphene, boron nitride nanotubes, boron nitride nanosheets, and zinc oxide nanowires can be successfully extracted from contaminated water at a successful rate of nearly 100%. The effects of surfactants, particle shape, and type of organic extraction fluids are evaluated. The proposed extraction mechanism is also supported by in situ monitoring of the extraction process. We believe that this extraction approach will prove important for the purification of water contaminated by nanoparticles and will support the widespread adoption of nanomaterial applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University , 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States.
authors.forename: Bishnu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Tiwari
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University , 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States.
authors.forename: Dongyan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University , 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States.
authors.forename: Dustin
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Winslow
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University , 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States.
authors.forename: Chee Huei
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University , 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States.
authors.forename: Boyi
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hao
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, Michigan Technological University , 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931, United States.
authors.forename: Yoke Khin
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Yap
keywords: graphene; nanosheets; nanotubes; nanowires; water contamination; water purification