Superhydrophobic Leaf Mesh Decorated with SiO₂ Nanoparticle–Polystyrene Nanocomposite for Oil–Water Separation

Abstract

Here, we report a novel and simple approach to fabricate crater-like superhydrophobic leaf mesh for oil−water separation. Nanocomposite of SiO 2 and polystyrene (SiO 2 −PS) deposited on a naturally dried Tectona grandis leaf mesh showed excellent superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The obtained multifunctional leaf mesh exhibited fast separation of various oils like petrol, kerosene, diesel, coconut oil from oil−water mixtures with separation efficiency greater than 95%, which lasts for more than 18 separation cycles. The prepared material can be used efficiently for the oil−water mixture separation for any oil with absolute viscosity of less than 55 cP.

Sol-gel processed Superhydrophobic Plastic Surfaces Modified with Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS)

“…In order to control the size and morphology of the particle generated in the sol-gel process, hydrolysis control can be adopted by diluting tetraorthosilicate (TEOS) in ethanol in alkaline conditions. Studies demonstrate the formation of particles in the range of 10 nm to 2 μm 14,15 .…”

“…Hydrophobic fabrics have also self-cleaning properties, which can be applied to upholstery, usual clothes, mattresses, and for fabric used for water sports clothes, which can favor the cleaning process, with low humidity, sweat absorption and reduced friction 9,10 . The applications are diverse, particularly highlighting their use in automobile and aircraft paints and varnishes, pipe coating, hydrophobic fabrics and ophthalmic lenses 11,12 , oil spill clean-up from water 13,14 .…”

“…The nanoparticles can be produced inside these micro-cavities by controlling the silicone alkoxides addition. The major disadvantage of this method is the high cost and the difficulty in removing the surfactants at the end of the process 14,19 .…”

“…During this step, the hydrolysis of TEOS molecules (Si(OC 2 H 5 ) 4 ) forms silanol groups. The condensation or polymerization between the silanol groups or between the silanol groups and the ethoxy groups creates siloxane bridges (Si-O-Si), forming the silica structure 14 .…”

Durable Self‐Cleaning Superhydrophobic Coating of SiO2–Cyanoacrylate Adhesive via Facile Dip Coat Technique

“…The coatings exhibited sustainable stability in wide pH range and can prevent metal from corrosion. Latthe et al . have decorated leaf mesh by SiO 2 ‐polysterene nanocomposite using dip coating method and achieve water contact angle nearly 162°.…”