A robust duplex Cu/PDMS-coated mesh with superhydrophobic surface for applications in cleaning of spilled oil

Abstract

In this study, we created a robust and stable nanostructure coated on the surface of a stainless steel mesh via the electrodeposition of copper thin films and chemical modification with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to enhance the mechanical durability of the stainless steel mesh surface with superhydrophobic performance. The obtained stainless steel mesh was tested by immersion in solutions of different pH values and abrasion cycling tests with sandpaper. The results showed that the coated stainless steel mesh retained excellent superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. Using the superhydrophobic and superoleophilic stainless steel mesh, we achieved the recycling of oil automatically and continuously via a vacuum pump.Scheme 1 Fabrication process of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic stainless steel mesh for application in oil/water separation.

Fabrication of a Robust Superhydrophobic Ni Coating with Micro–Nano Dual‐Scale Structures on 316L Stainless Steel

“…In general, the stability of the coating is more outstanding under the acidic condition. Compared with the work of Zhu et al, [ 30 ] in which the sample lost superhydrophobicity when the pH < 4, this superhydrophobic Ni coating is more tolerant in acidic environments.…”

“…As can be seen from Table 1, the i corr and E corr of stainless steel are 6.9116 × 10 −7 A cm −2 and −0.2245 V, respectively, and the i corr and E corr of the superhydrophobic sample are 1.5054 × 10 −8 A cm −2 and −0.1484 V, respectively. Usually, the sample with lower i corr and more positive E corr possesses a better corrosion resistance, [ 30 ] and all these data indicate that the superhydrophobic Ni coating improves the corrosion resistance of the sample. The Nyquist plots of the steel substrate and the superhydrophobic sample are shown in Figure 17b.…”

“…[ 28,29 ] The electrodeposition method has the advantages of being economical, facile, and not limited to the shape of the substrate. Zhu et al [ 30 ] fabricated a superhydrophobic and superoleophilic coating with hierarchical micro–nano structures on stainless steel mesh via the electrodeposition of Cu films and chemical modification with polydimethylsiloxane. The mesh indicated excellent chemical stability and wear resistance.…”

Mask Waste: A Sustainable Mask-Based Epoxy Resin/SiO2 Composite for Efficient Purification of Water-in-Oil Emulsions

“…Water/oil mixtures treated with these materials should be further purified for daily human use. Recently, two-dimensional materials have attracted considerable attention to treat water/oil mixtures because of their energy-saving properties and economic advantages. ,,− Various filtration films, − with high flux values, have been prepared to remove oils from water with high flux. Metal meshes can be obtained by modifying the metal surfaces, which has been widely studied owing to its simple fabrication process. , Unfortunately, these materials need to be fixed within a filtration device; therefore, large-scale applications are limited.…”

Fabrication of elastic, conductive, wear-resistant superhydrophobic composite material

“…Zhu et al . showed that when PDMS-coated copper mesh was subjected to 100 cycles of abrasion with the silicon carbide paper and load of 1 kg, the contact angle decreased from 156° to 139° due to the destruction of nanostructures 26 . Long et al .…”