Facile synthesis of superhydrophobic MS/TiO₂/PDMS sponge for efficient oil-water separation

To obtain a kind of superhydrophobic sponge with high oil and water selectivity, the MS/TiO₂/PDMS sponge was prepared via a two-step hydrophobic fabrication based on the melamine sponge (MS), tetrabutyl titanate (TBOT), and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The effects of modification time, the concentrations of TBOT and PDMS on the properties of the MS/TiO₂/PDMS sponge were studied, and the separation mechanism was also discussed based on the interaction between the oil and the surface of the MS/TiO₂/PDMS sponge. The results suggest that under optimal conditions, the MS/TiO₂/PDMS sponge show superhydrophobicity. The contact angle and adsorption capacity for oil of the MS/TiO₂/PDMS sponge are 149.2° and 98.5 g·g^-1, respectively, and they can be recycled for about 25 cycles after oil-water separation test. This study prepares a new composite material with high oil-water selectivity, which is a good foundation for the development and research of new oil adsorbents.