Versatile superhydrophobic bismuth molybdate cotton fabric for oil/water separation and decompose dyestuff

Water pollution caused by the discharged insolubility petroleum contaminants and organic compound dyes seriously threatens the natural self-purity capacity of the water body and the survival of aquatic species, so it is imperative to restraint the deterioration of the aquatic environment. In this paper, pathways are propounded for the simultaneous removal of insoluble spilling oil and organic dye contaminants. Particularly, hydrophobic ZnSnO3 after stearic acid modification and Bi2MoO6 photocatalysts are introduced into the cotton fabric substrate through solution dip-coating. The durability of the prepared fabric suffers from the acid–base corrosion, thermal treatment and mechanical wear, while still exhibiting remarkable water-repellent (WCA > 150°) property. Furthermore, the remarkable photocatalytic activity makes it possible for reusable degradation and the primary active species, namely the holes, to be verified by the radicals-capturing experiment. It is worth observing that as-prepared superhydrophobic fabric possesses admirable water-proof property and cycling durability of decomposing toxic water-soluble organic dye, thereby contributing to further realizing the ecological concept of clear waters.