Superhydrophobic Nanocoatings on Galvanized Steel and Aluminum: Enhancing Oil & Gas Sustainability

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surfaces offer innovative solutions, particularly in water/oil separation systems, as they repel water and attract oil, enabling efficient separation. The study aimed to analyze coatings developed on galvanized steel and aluminum, regarding their wettability in saline water and diesel oil, aiming for applications in the oil and gas industry. Specimens underwent texturizing, in-situ growth of layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) film and modification with stearic acid (STA). Both LDH films exhibited similar binary hierarchical structures of hexagonal petals and micrometric flowers, interconnecting along the surface, forming pores that allowed for air entrapment after STA modification. CA for saline water exceeded 150º, and for diesel oil was under 10º, characterizing the coatings as superhydrophobic and superoleophilic. The coatings show promising potential for water/ oil separation using recyclable substrates and a simple, low-cost, environmentally friendly process.