Cho, Seohyun Lee, Young Jin Kang, Min Seong Lee, Sang Yeob Lee, Young A. Kim, Seong Jin Chung, Seok Moon, Myoung-Woon 2025-01-23T06:30:08Z 2025-01-23T06:30:08Z 2025-01-23 2025-02 0025-326X https://pubs.kist.re.kr/handle/201004/151640 Oil spill accidents have series environmental and economic impacts, increasing the demand for efficient technologies to recover oil from contaminated waters. In this study, a hierarchically structured ratchet surface with superhydrophilicity was presented as a novel oil skimming mechanism for the recovery of high-viscosity oil, particularly low-sulfur fuel oil (LSFO), which has recently been used as marine fuel in open water environments. The interaction between the superhydrophilic ratchet and oil provides favorable conditions for oil retention at the water surface. The hierarchical structure minimizes contact between oil and the skimmer surface, allowing separation without a scraper, even at higher speeds. In addition, the ratchet skimmer generates a water surface flow near the skimmer, driving oil to the drum and improving skimming performance. The skimmer achieved a recovery efficiency of almost 100 % under various experimental conditions with an LSFO viscosity of up to 12,000 cSt. English Pergamon Press Ltd. Hierarchically-structured ratchet skimmer with superhydrophilicity for continuous recovery of high-viscosity oil Article 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117479 1 Marine Pollution Bulletin, v.211 Marine Pollution Bulletin 211 Y scie scopus 001394315000001 2-s2.0-85212592494 Environmental Sciences Marine & Freshwater Biology Environmental Sciences & Ecology Marine & Freshwater Biology Article VISCOUS CRUDE-OIL SPILL RECOVERY PERFORMANCE EFFICIENT GRAPHENE Oil spill Superhydrophilic ratchet Highly viscous oil Low sulfur fuel oil Oil detachment