University of Alberta develops efficient oil-adsorbing aerogel

A research team from the University of Alberta has created a new type of aerogel that efficiently absorbs high-viscosity oils. This material is made from polyimide, hydroxyapatite nanowires, and reduced graphene oxide. It is designed to work better than traditional adsorbents, which struggle with viscous oils. Oil contamination from human activities, like spills and leaks, has serious environmental effects. Researchers have been trying to improve the way materials capture these heavy oils. The new aerogel has a unique structure that allows it to reduce resistance to oil flow. The team was inspired by wood, which has aligned channels that help transport water quickly. They used a technique called directional freeze-casting to create similar channels in the aerogel. These aligned channels enhance the material's ability to absorb oil. Tests showed that the new aerogel has a strong adsorption performance, achieving a high rate of oil absorption. It works even better under sunlight due to the photothermal properties of reduced graphene oxide, which helps lower the oil's viscosity. Additionally, the aerogel is fire-resistant and can be reused after cleaning oil spills in different ways. This development could significantly improve oil spill cleanup efforts, making the material a promising choice for future applications.