Israeli Researchers Develop Novel Aerogel for Oil Spill Cleanup
Researchers at Israel's Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have created an innovative aerogel material designed to combat oil spills by combining oil absorption with bacterial degradation. The material, made from cellulose fibers derived from recycled paper products like newspapers and egg cartons, is highly porous and hydrophobic, allowing it to float and efficiently capture crude oil, fuel, and tar.
Enriched with nitrogen and phosphorus, the aerogel not only adsorbs up to 100 times its weight in hydrocarbons but also acts as a scaffold for oil-eating bacteria. This dual function brings the microbes into close contact with the oil while providing essential nutrients, transforming the absorbent into a micro-environment for biological remediation. Laboratory tests show that this process can eliminate oil within two to three weeks.
Led by Professor Ariel Kushmaro and Dr. Danit Lisa Karsagi Biron, the research team utilized lyophilization and pyrolysis to create the aerogel. The findings were published in Chemical Engineering Journal Advances. The scientists believe this technology could significantly reduce the amount of contaminated material requiring disposal after a spill.
Potential applications include dispersing the aerogel over offshore spills or having ships carry it for immediate response to fuel leaks. However, the technology is still in its early stages, with plans for larger-scale trials in real-world conditions, such as a contaminated marina. Intellectual property is being managed by BGN Technologies, the university's commercialization arm. Energy company Shell has reportedly expressed interest in the invention.
The development holds particular relevance for Israel, recalling a major 2021 oil spill that heavily impacted its Mediterranean coastline. The researchers aim for their aerogel to offer a faster response capability for future environmental disasters.
