Synthesis of Polyurethane Foams Loaded with TiO₂ Nanoparticles and Their Modification for Enhanced Performance in Oil Spill Cleanup

Abstract

Sponge-like superhydrophobic and superoleophilic materials are attracting significant attention for effective cleanup and recovery of spilled oils from water. We report on the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticle/polyurethane (TPU) composite foam substrate and its surface modification with tetradecylamine (TDA)-amidated graphene oxide (GO-TDA), thereby forming superhydrophobic and superoleophilic TPU-GO-TDA sorbent for oil spill clean-ups. Spectroscopic analyses confirmed that TDA was successfully grafted onto GO and the reduced GO by TDA was successfully grafted onto the TPU foam. Sorption experiments with engine oil, crude oil, silicone oil, and chloroform demonstrated that the TPU-GO-TDA foam was an effective sorbent with sorption capacity of 20.2–62.4 times its own weight. The absorbed oils in the sorbent could be recovered simply by squeezing the oil-laden foam. The much higher selectivity to oils and better reusability of the TPU-GO-TDA foam than commercial sorbents make the TPU-GO-TDA foam promising for the separation and recovery of spilled oils and organic solvents from water.

Superhydrophobic foam prepared from high internal phase emulsion templates stabilised by oyster shell powder for oil–water separation

“…Furthermore, they added Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles to give the foams a magnetic response capacity for the magnetically driven and convenient recycling of the material. Wei 15 prepared TiO 2 nanoparticle loaded polyurethane foam whose surface was modied with tetradecylamine amidated graphene oxide, and it exhibited a high absorption capacity for oil and simple recovery by squeezing the oil-laden foam.…”

Polyurethane-Supported Graphene Oxide Foam Functionalized with Carbon Dots and TiO2 Particles for Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes

“…To test the photocatalytic degradation of materials (TiO 2 , CQDs/TiO 2 , and 3D CQDs/TiO 2 /GO foams), 30 mg TiO 2 , 30 mg CQDs/TiO 2 , and 3D 3D CQDs/TiO 2 /GO foams with different loading amount of CQDs/TiO 2 (10,20, and 30 mg) were put into MB solution (100 µM/mL), and then the dye solution with various materials were irradiated under 350 W xenon lamp. The dye solution was taken every hour and characterized with a UV-vis spectrometer.…”

“…The as-prepared 3D CQDs/TiO2/GO foams with different loading amount of CQDs/TiO2 particles (10,20, and 30 mg) were used to adsorb and photocatalytic degrade dyes, MB and rhodamine by using a 350 W xenon lamp as the source of visible light. Under the irradiation condition, the electrons in the value band (VB) of TiO2 were stimulated to transit to the conduction band (CB) and release photoelectrons.…”

“…For the facile fabrication of TiO 2 -based three-dimensional (3D) materials, other supporting materials like polymer foam or graphene are needed [20][21][22]. It has been found that graphene oxide (GO) reveals enhanced functions by combining with a lot of polymers [23][24][25][26].…”

Sorbent system based on organosilane-coated polyurethane foam for oil spill clean up

“…Accidents involving tankers and vessels, and leakages in storage tanks at petrochemical plants, terminals, distribution points and fuel stations can release significant amounts of oil and its derivatives, such as naphtha, gasoline, kerosene, LPG, diesel oil and fuel oil, into the environment, which could lead to the contamination of soil, water and air [1][2][3][4]. Oil and its by-products form an insoluble layer on the water surface and hinder the aeration and the natural illumination of water bodies, thereby causing harm to the fauna and flora of the exposed environment [5][6][7][8][9].…”