{"id":161573,"date":"2024-06-05T10:47:58","date_gmt":"2024-06-05T15:17:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inspenet.com\/noticias\/create-sponge-for-oil-spills\/"},"modified":"2024-06-05T13:01:39","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T17:31:39","slug":"create-sponge-for-oil-spills","status":"publish","type":"noticias","link":"https:\/\/inspenet.com\/en\/news\/create-sponge-for-oil-spills\/","title":{"rendered":"Scientists create sponge for oil spills"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A group of researchers is developing a kind of “sponge” for marine oil spills<\/strong>. It traps and retains oil \n oil<\/a>\n<\/strong> on its surface and is reusable, even in the cold waters of Canada. Spills can cause long-lasting environmental damage both at sea and on coasts, therefore, this innovative solution would be very beneficial in mitigating these problems caused by the oil industry.<\/p>\n\n

How does the oil spill sponge work?<\/h2>\n\n

According to the journal Science of The Total Environment, this new material, known as CNF-SP aerogel, combines biodegradable cellulose with spiropyran, a light-sensitive substance. Spiropyran possesses a unique property that allows the aerogel to switch from being oil absorbent to oil repellent<\/strong>, similar to a kitchen sponge that can be used repeatedly.<\/p>\n\n

According to Dr. Baiyu Helen Zhang, professor and Canada Research Chair at Memorial University, is the Canada Research Chair at \n Memorial University<\/a>\n<\/strong> of Newfoundland,“once the spiropyran is added to the aerogel, after each use we only need to change the light condition<\/em>.” Zhang explains that the aerogel acts as an oil absorber under visible light and, after adsorption, switches to ultraviolet light to release the oil. This process allows the material to be effectively reused. In the following video Dr. Baiyu explains:<\/p>\n

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