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Molecular simulations on the hydration and underwater oleophobicity of zwitterionic self-assembled monolayers
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  • Zheng Chen,
  • Mingrui Liao,
  • Li-Zhi ZHANG,
  • Jian Zhou
Zheng Chen
South China University of Technology

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Mingrui Liao
South China University of Technology
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Li-Zhi ZHANG
South China University of Technology
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Jian Zhou
South China University of Technology
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Abstract

Zwitterionic materials have attracted increasing attentions in the underwater super-oleophobic applications for its strong hydration via electrostatic interactions. Herein, molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the hydration and underwater oleophobicity of sulfobetaine-terminated self-assembled monolayers (SB-SAMs) with different carbon spacer lengths (CSL) between oppositely charged groups of SB molecules. Simulation results show that the hydration of SB-SAMs is positively dependent on CSL; the underwater oleophobicity is strengthened and then weakened with the increase of CSL, reaching optimal performance when CSL = 3; Adhesion force of oil droplet on SB-SAMs is inversely correlated with their contact angles, reaching the minimum value when CSL = 3. Moreover, the addition of NaCl can weaken the self-association of SB molecules resulted from interactions between cationic and anionic groups, which promotes hydration and enhances underwater oleophobicity of SB-SAMs. These results will benefit for the design of novel zwitterion-based materials for anti-fouling and oil-water separation applications.
27 Jun 2020Submitted to AIChE Journal
06 Jul 2020Submission Checks Completed
06 Jul 2020Assigned to Editor
08 Jul 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
26 Aug 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major
09 Oct 20201st Revision Received
12 Oct 2020Submission Checks Completed
12 Oct 2020Assigned to Editor
12 Oct 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
24 Nov 2020Editorial Decision: Accept