A robust surface with superhydrophobicity and underwater superoleophobicity for on-demand oil/water separation

Siyang Zhao, Yongmin Liang, Yu Yang, Jinxia Huang, Zhiguang Guo, Weimin Liu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic surface combine the superiorities of the two opposite wettabilities. Generally, such a surface is constructed by hydrophilic areas and hydrophobic areas treated with fluorine-containing modifiers. However, the surface energy in a narrow range and poor bonding force between water-loving and water-repelling components make the surface fragile and its wettability unstable. Herein, we present a strategy to fabricate a robust surface with superhydrophobicity and underwater superoleophobicity. Hydrophilic aluminum phosphate as a binder can strongly interact with superhydrophobic titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Mixing the two ingredients to accurately control the surface energy in a narrow range and then spray coating, the superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic surfaces are conveniently prepared on diverse substrates. Under acid/base aqueous solution conditions, O2-plasma etching, and sand impingement, the coatings remain superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic. Taking advantage of the wettability and robustness of coatings, the as-prepared membranes realize on-demand and multicycle separation under gravity without continuous external stimulus. Importantly, even after 100 sand impingement cycles, the treated membranes still maintain prominent separation performance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)15334-15342
Number of pages9
JournalNanoscale
Volume13
Issue number36
DOIs
StatePublished - 28 Sep 2021
Externally publishedYes

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