Superhydrophobic/Superoleophilic Copper Mesh for Heavy Oil-water Separation

Abstract

By etching copper mesh with ammonia-base and depositing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) on it, nanoneedle-like Cu(OH)2 was formed, and then modified with n-hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) to achieve superhydrophobicity/superoleophilicity for heavy oil-water mixtures separation. The method has the advantages of simple operation, high efficiency, good repeatability and worth in industrial applications.

Self-Driven Sustainable Oil Separation from Water Surfaces by Biomimetic Adsorbing and Transporting Materials

“…In a further process, nanoparticles were bound to the mesh surface by etching with an ammonia-base titanium dioxide, which resulted in nanostructuring. The surface was then further functionalized with n-hexadecyltrimethoxysilanes (HDTMS) to achieve superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity The application is planned for use with heavy oil [20].…”