Solvent-free processing of eco-friendly magnetic and superhydrophobic absorbent from all-plant-based materials for efficient oil and organic solvent sorption

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2021-12, Vol.800, p.149558-149558, Article 149558
• Main Authors: Wu, Dong, Wang, Tiansheng, Hu, Shunyou, Wu, Wanbao, Lu, Beibei, Huang, Xiyan, Yu, Wen, Wang, Mi, Wang, Gui-Gen, Zhang, Jiaheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Durability; Functional modification; Natural resources; Oil/organic solvents sorption; Superhydrophobic/superoleophilic
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149558

The unique features of bioresources such as cellulose and bio-wax include renewability, biodegradability, low cost, and abundance on Earth. Therefore, their efficient use is essential for a sustainable economy. Herein, we report a facile method for the surface modification of pretreated cotton with a bio-wax emulsion in water and Fe3O4 nanoparticles to fabricate a green, durable, magnetic, and superhydrophobic/superoleophilic absorbent for the sorption of oil and organic solvents. Magnetic superhydrophobic cotton (MSC) was successfully prepared via a simple two-step dip-coating method without using any toxic organic reagents. The as-prepared MSC was used to selectively absorb various types of oils and organic solvents up to approximately 20–50 times its own weight. Furthermore, it exhibited a stable magnetic responsivity and high reusability in oil/water separation cycles. In addition, the removal and collection of the absorbed oil/organic solvents were easily achieved with distillation and a vacuum air pump. Moreover, the as-prepared MSC was used in a heavy oil/water gravity-separation filter system and in the continuous collection of a light oil from water surfaces using a pump. The proposed concept may provide a green and sustainable strategy for fabricating superhydrophobic/superoleophilic materials for efficient sorption of oils and organic solvents. A green concept for converting natural polymers into magnetic and superhydrophobic absorbent with good performance in oil/water separation was demonstrated. [Display omitted] •A green strategy for converting cotton into highly efficient oil absorbent.•Natural resources and green production process are the essential element.•Water-based wax emulsion and thermal annealing leads to structural strengthening.•High efficiency and good reusability even in various harsh environments.