Robust and flexible superhydrophobic/superoleophilic melamine sponges for oil-water separation

DEMİREL G., Aygül E.

Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects, vol.577, pp.613-621, 2019 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 577
  • Publication Date: 2019
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.05.081
  • Journal Name: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.613-621
  • Keywords: Melamine sponge, Superhydrophobic, Superoleophilic, Oil/water separation, Separator, ORGANIC-SOLVENT, FABRICATION, ABSORPTION, SURFACES, REMOVAL, POLYMER, SILANE, FOAM
  • Ankara Haci Bayram Veli University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

© 2019 Elsevier B.V.In this study, we have demonstrated a facile and cost-eff ;ective method to fabricate superhydrophobic/superoleophilic melamine sponges for oil/water separation. The superhydrophobic/superoleophilic sponges (S-MSs) were fabricated by using a three-step process including GPTS/APTES modification, SiO2 NPs binding, and OTS modification. The modifications of melamine sponges were confirmed by XPS and SEM characterization. The S-MSs showed excellent sorption capacities for various oils and organic solvents. More importantly, the S-MSs exhibited an excellent separation efficiency which was greater than 97% after even 25 cycles. In addition, the S-MSs exhibited excellent mechanical and chemical durability against harsh environmental conditions such as different chemicals, different temperatures, tape-test, and UV exposure. Moreover, the S-MSs are able to maintain the repellency against strong acid and alkali droplets. The combination of these excellent mechanical properties and the selectivity against oils have made the S-MSs strong candidate for a range of industrial applications.