The
hierarchical nanomaterials/biomass carbon aerogels are of great
interest in various fields including oil/water separation and oil
absorption based on the synergistic effects of mechanical strength,
recyclability, and wettability together with the convenient separation.
Here, we report the fabrication of the hybrid aerogel prepared simply
by in situ growth of TiO2 nanorods on the surface of the
biomass carbon aerogel under hydrothermal condition, followed by the
surface modification in hydrogen atmosphere. The interconnected 3D
network structure of hybrid aerogel could offer a passageway to transport
oil and store the absorbed oils. The as-prepared aerogel could act
as a membrane for separating oil from oil/water mixture, and it also
could separate effectively surfactant-stabilized water-in-toluene
emulsions. Furthermore, the aerogel exhibited excellent reusability
and durability after intensive compression and repeated oil absorption,
which provides a reliable approach for the development of sustainable
and efficient absorbents toward environmental protection applications.
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