The use of nanoclay assemblies for preparation of robust coatings and nanostructured materials have been described to reinforce both barrier properties and mechanical properties. Nanoclay additives have been used from nanocomposites, aerogels, nanocoatings. and other applications including reinforcing additives for 3D printing. They are commercially available and are in various organic modifications based on organocation interactions. Here we have utilized clay-graphene nanocomposites and their use in the fabrication of light-weight aerogel/foam oil-water separators. The interest is in utilizing the capabilities of these two nanomaterials to form a porous and hierarchical structure capable of oil porosity and separation of immiscible liquids. We describe the mechanism based on house-of-card interactions where the charges generated on the surface of the nanoplatelets compliments the chemistry that can be done on the surface with silane agents. Graphene oxide (GO) additives also enhance their ability for surface chemistry having acid, hydroxy, and other oxidized species sufficient for interaction with silanes. We will report their fabrication and application in oil-water separation and clean-up.

House of card nanostructuring in nanoclay-graphene in oil-water separators

255th National Meeting (2018)

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