Microplastics Capture Using Hair-like Structures

NU 2023-208

INVENTORS

• Kyoo-Chul Park*
• Chloe Ho
• Leyun Feng

SHORT DESCRIPTION

A novel microplastics capture surface featuring hair-like protrusions combined with an oil coating to enhance interfacial forces, providing an energy-efficient and low-cost solution for diverse aqueous environments.

BACKGROUND

Current methods for capturing microplastics often suffer from short service life, high energy requirements, and clogging issues that increase waste and replacement costs. There is a pressing need for an environmentally friendly, low-cost, and scalable technique that overcomes these limitations by increasing the effective contact area and particle adherence.

ABSTRACT

This invention introduces a capture surface designed with hair-like protrusions that significantly increase the effective contact area for microplastics in an aqueous environment. An oil coating is applied to the surface to harness interfacial forces, thereby attracting and retaining microplastic particles. The dual mechanism enables effective capture across various fluid types—including freshwater, seawater, and biological fluids—without high energy inputs. Additionally, the design supports scalable, cost-effective manufacturing through established processes such as 3D printing and the use of low-cost materials like PDMS and silicone oil.

APPLICATIONS

• Home appliances: Integration into washing machines and water tanks for efficient household filtration.
• Wastewater treatment: Enhances microplastic removal in industrial and municipal water systems.
• Plumbing systems: Applicable as attachments for faucets, baths, and sinks.
• Medical filtration: Supports hemodialysis and pharmaceutical water filtering applications.

ADVANTAGES

• Universal effectiveness: Captures microplastics across diverse fluid environments.
• Energy efficiency: Operates with significantly lower energy input than bubble-based methods.
• Extended capture range: Filters particles larger than those excluded by conventional membranes.
• Cost-effective scalability: Utilizes low-cost materials and 3D printing for large-scale manufacturing.

IP STATUS

US Patent Pending