Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic graphene aerogel for adsorption of oil pollutants from water

Abstract

SGA with superhydrophobic and oleophilic properties was prepared from a PDA functionalized graphene aerogel via a hydrothermal method and subsequent hydrophobic modification using fluoroalkylsilane through vapor–liquid deposition.

A comprehensive review on the environmental applications of graphene–carbon nanotube hybrids: recent progress, challenges and prospects

“…Hence, it is inevitable to go for an efficient remediation. To address this severe issue, various techniques comprising membrane filtration, biological separation, photo decomposition, use of chemical dispersants and skimmers, combustion, wet oxidation and adsorption have been recommended (34)(35)(36). Among these techniques, adsorption is considered as one among the most efficient, economical and promising solutions for its low cost, easy operation, simple process and less damage to environment (31,37).…”

Multifunctional Composite Aerogels—As Micropollutant Scavengers

“…The carboxyl, methyl, and amino groups based functional groups tailor the aerogel surface and provide strong affinities to adsorb the contaminants by increasing their pore size, density, and surface area [111]. A graphene-based aerogel with superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity was fabricated for application in water treatment, and during their synthesis, functionalization using polydopamine and modification by fluoroalkyl silane promoted their selectivity and absorptivity toward contaminant removal providing high efficiency in oil/water separation processes [112]. A cellulose nanofibril aerogel was chemically modified through the oxidation-sulfonation process, and when applied for oil/water separation, the higher surface charge densities improved their separation efficiencies and the groups on their hierarchical structure promoted the superoleophobic characteristics [113].…”

“…Schrand et al [180] reviewed the toxicity of metal-based nanoparticles on mammalian cells and emphasized the need for a comprehensive database on nanoparticles' health, safety, and environmental impact. Wang et al [66,112,159,181] highlighted that conventional aerogels' raw materials come from toxic, non-renewable inorganic or petrochemical-based materials. Concerns about the harmful environmental impact of aerogels and their precursor chemicals have led researchers worldwide to focus on developing non-toxic alternatives such as polysaccharide-based aerogels or bio-aerogels.…”

Superhydrophobic lotus-leaf-like surface made from reduced graphene oxide through soft-lithographic duplication

“…[1][2][3] These superhydrophobic surfaces are typically characterized by a water contact angle larger than 150 and a water sliding angle smaller than 10 . [4][5][6][7][8] Among them, the lotus-leaf is most well-known for its non-wetting surface featuring unique hierarchical micro/nanoscale structures. 4 In recent years, lotus-leaf-like surfaces have inspired many investigations for the basic understanding and applications in different areas.…”