Bioinspired like lotus leaf hierarchical micropapillae structure for efficient oil-water separation and antibacterial performance

Industrial oily wastewater and oil spill accidents request efficient separation treatment for environmental conservation and safety of human being. Bioinspired by lotus leaf, antibacterial and superhydrophobic membrane separation material with hierarchical like lotus leaf micropapillae structure was prepared for this issue. Firstly, Cu(OH)(2) nanoneedles on copper foam surface were constructed via alkaline oxidation method, and then nanoneedles structure was transformed into microsphere structure like micropapillae of lotus leaf after silane steam modification. The prepared modified copper foam exhibited simultaneous superhydrophobic and superoleophilic property and could effectively separate various oil-water mixtures. More importantly, modified copper foam showed superior mechanical, chemical stability and durability. Besides, modified copper foam displayed strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus from vitro antibacterial experiment results. Antibacterial and superhydrophobic oil-water separation material with favorable mechanical, chemical stability and durability will provide more inspiration for design and preparation bioinspired multifunction materials.