A compressible porous superhydrophobic material constructed by a multi-template high internal phase emulsion method for oil-water separation

• Published in: RSC advances 2023-08, Vol.13 (37), p.2592-25929
• Main Authors: Wen, Zhipeng, Yang, Huilin, Lv, Mingzhe, Yu, Chuanming, Li, Yong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Chemistry; Compressibility; Contact angle; Hydrophobic surfaces; Hydrophobicity; Infrared spectroscopy; Oil slicks; Oil spills; Porous materials; Separation
• ISSN: 2046-2069; 2046-2069
• DOI: 10.1039/d3ra03997h

Superhydrophobic porous materials exhibit remarkable stability and exceptional efficacy in combating marine oil spills and containing oily water discharges. This work employed the multi-template high internal phase emulsion method to fabricate a multi-template porous superhydrophobic foam (MTPSF). The materials were characterized through SEM, IR spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, and an electronic universal testing machine. Moreover, the materials' oil-water separation capability, reusability, and compressibility were thoroughly evaluated. The obtained results demonstrate that the material displays a water contact angle of 143° and an oil contact angle of approximately 0°, thus exhibiting superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. Consequently, it effectively facilitates the separation of oil slicks and heavy oil underwater. Furthermore, the MTPSF conforms to the second kinetic and Webber-Morris models concerning the oil absorption process. MTPSF exhibits an outstanding oil absorption capacity, ranging from 39.40 to 102.32 g g −1 , while showcasing reliable reusability, high recovery efficiency, and excellent compressibility of up to 55%. The above exceptional attributes render the MTPSF highly suitable for oil-water separation applications. The material prepared by the multi-template high internal phase emulsion method possessed excellent compressibility and better prospects for oil-water separation applications.