A novel carbon nanotubes reinforced superhydrophobic and superoleophilic polyurethane sponge for selective oil–water separation through a chemical fabrication

Abstract

A novel carbon nanotubes reinforced polyurethane sponge with superhydrophobic, superoleophilic and high mechanical properties shows potential for applications in oil–water separation.

Versatile fabrication of magnetic superhydrophobic foams and application for oil–water separation

“…In previous reports, superhydrophobic 3D porous materials were reported to be facile approach and fast at selectively collecting various kinds of oils and organic solvents from water surfaces [20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. Li et al prepared compressive graphene aerogels by reacting GO with ethylenediamine and then freeze-drying [21].…”

Adaptable bioinspired special wetting surface for multifunctional oil/water separation

“…As a result, multiple fabrication techniques and materials are used to realize seemingly similar oil/water separation tasks. For example, aerogels, powders, graphene oxide films, sponges modified with graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNT), nanoparticles or low-surface energy chemicals are used for oil absorption from water415161718192021222324; superhydrophobic CNT membranes, metal meshes or textiles chemically modified or coated with metal oxide nanoparticles and nanorods are utilized for oil filtration from oil/water mixtures25262728293031; and underwater superoleophobic porous nanotube membranes, meshes and textiles modified with palygorskite powders, zeolites, TiO 2 nanostructures, nanoparticles, zwitterionic polymers or cellulose aerogels are used for filtrating water from oil/water mixtures3233343536373839. To ensure a better control over the oil/water separation process, materials which switch their wetting properties in response to external stimuli such as changing electric or magnetic field, pH, temperature or light illumination, and pre-wetted materials were developed64041424344.…”

Facile Approach toward the Fabrication of Superhydrophobic and Superoleophilic Sponges for the Removal of Oil from Oil/Water Mixtures

“…[13][14][15][16] Graphene-based sponges [17][18][19][20] and PU sponges reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [21][22][23] are known to absorb oil from oil/water mixtures. However, applications of such sponges have been limited because their fabrication involves expensive materials and complicated procedures.…”