In a remarkable stride towards sustainable environmental solutions, researchers at IIT Kharagpur, led by Dr. Chirodeep Bakli, from Department of Energy Science and Engineering have developed an innovative technique for separating oil and water using ultra-thin, two-dimensional graphene channels. This cutting-edge method promises to transform the way industries tackle oil spills and water contamination, offering an energy-efficient alternative to conventional techniques.
Graphene, a wonder material discovered in the early 21st century, has captivated scientists worldwide due to its extraordinary mechanical strength, atomic thinness, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. At the heart of this breakthrough is the exploitation of these unique properties particularly graphene’s interaction with water at the nanoscale.
By engineering the surface of graphene to control its wetting properties, Dr. Bakli and his team have achieved passive separation of oil and water, without relying on heavy external energy inputs. The process utilizes the “anomalous behavior” of water molecules within confined graphene channels, facilitating a natural segregation of oil and water with remarkable efficiency.
“This is not just a scientific achievement; it is a potential game-changer for environmental protection. Our goal was to create a method that is not only highly effective but also scalable and sustainable,” said Dr. Bakli.
The development comes at a critical juncture when industrial expansion and economic activities have intensified environmental threats, particularly in the form of oil spills. These incidents like stemming from tanker collisions, drilling accidents, and offshore exploration pose devastating risks to marine ecosystems and impose significant economic burdens. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has repeatedly stressed the urgency of innovative approaches to oil spill mitigation.
Traditional methods such as mechanical skimming, chemical dispersants, and controlled burning have met with mixed success. Meanwhile, filtration and adsorption strategies often fall short due to inefficiencies and short-lived material performance. The graphene-based approach from IIT Kharagpur offers a significant leap forward, combining high separation efficiency, durability, and minimal ecological impact.
Globally, public research estimates that oil spills from tankers released approximately 10,000 tonnes of oil into the seas in 2024, with six major spills and four medium spills recorded. The environmental legacy of catastrophic incidents like the Gulf War oil spill (1991) and the Deepwater Horizon disaster (2010) continues to wreak havoc on marine ecosystems, with long-lasting effects that still persist today.
The innovative graphene-based system developed by IIT Kharagpur offers a promising solution, capable of absorbing oil at an impressive rate of 400-500 litres per square meter per hour. Moreover, it operates with an energy-efficient consumption of less than 0.1 kWh per cubic metre, while recovering over 90% of the spilled oil. This breakthrough not only enhances the efficiency of oil spill cleanup but also ensures a minimal environmental footprint, marking a significant advancement in the battle to protect our oceans.
Dr. Chirodeep Bakli (left) with his team, Vinay (center), and Abhirup (right). Graphical Abstract of the study (top) and Recognition by the journal as cover page (right).
Abhirup Chaudhuri emphasized, “Our study highlights the potential of graphene-based surfaces to offer a scalable, cost-effective solution for oil spill mitigation. This approach could significantly reduce the environmental and economic toll of oil contamination while protecting marine ecosystems.”
Beyond oil spills, the implications of this research could extend to wastewater treatment, industrial effluent management, and environmental remediation across sectors. With further development, this pioneering technology may well become a cornerstone in the global movement toward cleaner, greener technologies.
Vinay Arya added, “The technique is particularly suited to warm waters in tropical regions, where it can harness solar thermal energy to enhance its performance. By demonstrating the versatility of functionalized graphene channels in diverse environmental conditions, this research provides a blueprint for tackling oil spills more efficiently.”
Their innovation underscores the promise of advanced materials science in safeguarding our planet’s future and ensuring sustainable living conditions for generations to come. As industries and governments worldwide seek sustainable tools to safeguard our water resources, innovations like this from IIT Kharagpur are lighting the path forward, molecular layer by molecular layer.
Featured on the cover of the Royal Society of Chemistry’s peer-reviewed journal, this breakthrough has earned international recognition. Read more: | Research Paper
Media Coverage:
Inputs from: Prof. Chirodeep Bakli, Department of Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Kharagpur
Email: chirodeep@iitkgp.ac.in
Edited By : Poulami Mondal, Digital & Creative Media Executive (Creative Writer)
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