sponge filter inspired by sea urchin absorbs oil spills from oceans using microscopic spikes

"Made of tiny, microscopic spikes, the filter comes with a coating that turns the spikes into a porous filter material. The base of the filter is a lightweight, sponge-like substrate, absorbent enough for liquid to pass through and hold the coating in place. It is applied using an eco process, meaning without the harsh chemicals that most oil-absorbing materials have traditionally required."

"Once coated, the reusable filter surface repels water all the while attracting and absorbing oil. The two liquids, which don't mix naturally anyway, are now actively separated by the material itself. In testing, the engineers say that the filter recovered oil at about 2 milliliters per minute, with more than 95 percent purity."

"The sponge filter inspired by sea urchins assists the oil collection here because its tiny spikes trap pockets of air so that water can't break through or go inside the material but simply rolls off. That works, allowing the oil to be captured and separated from the water."

RMIT University engineers created an innovative oil spill collection system combining a dolphin-shaped mini robot with a sea urchin-inspired filter. The filter features microscopic spikes coated with an eco-friendly material that repels water while attracting and absorbing oil. The lightweight, sponge-like substrate enables efficient liquid separation without harsh chemicals. During testing, the system recovered oil at approximately 2 milliliters per minute with over 95% purity, meaning minimal water contamination. The Electronic Dolphin robot houses a pump, collection chamber, and propulsion fins, using a nozzle to draw oil-covered water toward the filter. The sea urchin-inspired design with air-trapping spikes allows water to roll off while oil is captured, protecting marine ecosystems from environmental harm.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine