Commercialization of cryptomelane-type manganese oxide (OMS-2) nanowire paper oil sorbent

Abstract

Cryptomelane-type Manganese oxide (OMS-2, a group of Octahedral Molecular Sieves) nanowire paper exhibits interesting properties: reversible wettability, oleophilic while being hydrophobic, and high thermal stability. These properties open up possible markets for commercialization. This thesis reviews the market potential of each of these properties and explores the competitiveness of the nanowire paper in the proposed markets. The proposed values of this technology are in its high selective absorbency towards oil, high performance over cost metric and its high thermal stability. Its thermal stability enables a thermal desorption type process to regenerate and recycle the sorbent for reuse. This translates into further differentiation and provides greater value for the users.