Superhydrophobic/superlipophilic interface layer for oil-water separation

Low-cost, stable materials that can be used for oil-water separation have significant industrial applications. A simple two-step immersion approach was used to successfully create a melamine sponge with superhydrophobic/superlipophilic characteristics. The polyphenolamine@ 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane sponge (PPA@PF sponge) produced in this study possesses exceptional superhydrophobic and superlipophilic properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), infrared spectroscopy (IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to examine the surface morphology and chemical content of the PPA@PF sponge. The prepared PPA@PF sponge has a static contact angle (SCA) of 156 degrees. More notably, PPA@PF sponge has extremely stable and anti-corrosion properties. After being corroded by acidic solutions, alkaline solutions, and organic solvents, the PPA@PF sponge retains good hydrophobic characteristics on its surface. Finally, the PPA@PF sponge is successfully applied to the rapid oil-water separation. (c) 2022 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.