One-Step Fabrication of a Functionally Integrated Device Based on Polydimethylsiloxane-Coated SiO2 NPs for Efficient and Continuous Oil Absorption

Abstract

The construction of superhydrophobic surfaces necessitates the rational design of topographic surface structure and the reduction of surface energy. To date, the reported strategies are usually complex with multi-steps and costly. Thus, the simultaneous achievement of the two indispensable factors is highly desired, yet rather challenging. Herein, we develop a novel structure engineering strategy of realizing the fabrication of a functionally integrated device (FID) with a superhydrophobic surface via a one-step spraying method. Specifically, silica nanoparticles are used to control the surface roughness of the device, while polydimethylsiloxane is employed as the hydrophobic coating. Benefitting from the adopted superhydrophobicity, the as-fabricated FID exhibits a continuous, excellent oil-water separating performance (e.g., 92.5% separating efficiency) when coupled with a peristaltic pump. Notably, a smart design of incorporating a gas switch is adopted in this device, thereby effectively preventing water from entering the FID, realizing thorough oil collection, and avoiding secondary pollution. This work opens up an avenue for the design and development of the FID, accessible for rapid preparation and large-scale practical application.

Facile Construction and Fabrication of a Superhydrophobic and Super Oleophilic Stainless Steel Mesh for Separation of Water and Oil

“…The cost-effective separation strategies of oil/water mixtures have become a hot topic due to the frequent occurrences of water pollution issues, such as organic wastewater emissions, chemical leaks, and crude oil spills [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ]. To date, a series of materials, including carbon aerogels [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ], cotton fabrics [ 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ], foams [ 13 , 14 , 15 ], and sponges [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], have been explored, owing to the excellent hydrophobicity and high separation capacity. However, some materials are difficult to use in large-scale applications because of the complicated and high-cost separation process, secondary contamination, or poor recyclability.…”

Atmospheric Pressure Plasma-Treated Polyurethane Foam as Reusable Absorbent for Removal of Oils and Organic Solvents from Water

“…In particular, the use of absorbent materials with simultaneous superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties (i.e., having a water contact angle greater than 150 • and oil contact angle less than 10 • ) is considered very convenient [5,10]. For instance, open-cell foams (e.g., polymeric [11][12][13], carbon-based [14] and metal [15] sponges) have been regarded as promising candidates for the collection and removal of various kinds of oils and organic solvents from water, because they present highly porous three-dimensional (3D) structures, large pore volumes and thus high absorption capacities [8,12,16]. Among others, open-cell polyurethane (PU) foams are polymeric sponges widely preferred due to their availability, low cost [17][18][19][20], good chemical and thermal resistance, adequate flexibility, mechanical stability, light weight and low bulk density [18,21].…”

Construction of Superhydrophobic Coating on Iron Surface with Enhanced Anti-Corrosion, Anti-Adhesive and Anti-Bacterial Properties

“…Superhydrophobic surfaces inspired by the non-wetting properties of lotus leaves in nature have been widely used in many fields such as underwater drag reduction [ 1 ], oil–water separation [ 2 , 3 , 4 ], self-cleaning [ 5 , 6 ], bio-/chemical assays [ 7 , 8 , 9 ], and civil applications [ 10 , 11 , 12 ] due to their unique characteristics of water resistance, anti-adhesion and anti-corrosion properties, which have wide application prospects and high research value. In particular, the strategy of constructing superhydrophobic surfaces or coatings on metal surfaces [ 13 , 14 ] to achieve multiple functions with enhanced anti-corrosion, anti-adhesive and anti-bacterial properties is of great significance to solve the problems of poor corrosion resistance and microbial adhesion infection on the surfaces of medical devices and equipment [ 15 , 16 ].…”