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Superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge based on sepiolite for efficient oil/water separation
Yao Pang1, Zongxue Yu2, Haidong Chen1
1College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, PR China; Oil & Gas Field Applied Chemistry Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610500, PR China.
Journal of Hazardous Materials
|April 16, 2022
Summary
This study developed a superhydrophobic sponge using modified sepiolite and silica for efficient oil-water separation. The material demonstrates excellent oil adsorption, emulsion separation, and stability in corrosive environments.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Science
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Oil spills and wastewater discharge cause significant ecological damage.
- Effective oil-water separation technologies are crucial for environmental protection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly efficient and stable material for separating oil from water.
- To address the urgent need for solutions to marine pollution from oil.
Main Methods:
- Sol-gel process to grow micro-nan silica on sepiolite.
- Organic modification of sepiolite/silica with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDS).
- Attachment of modified material to polyurethane sponge using oily epoxy resin.
Main Results:
- The resulting sponge exhibited superhydrophobicity and selective oil adsorption (19.98-40 times its weight).
- Achieved 98.72% separation rate for immiscible oil-water mixtures and separated oil-water/salt emulsions.
- Demonstrated excellent chemical stability in strong acids/alkalis and mechanical stability after 100 compressions.
Conclusions:
- The superhydrophobic sponge is a promising material for practical oil-water separation applications.
- The material's durability and efficiency offer a viable solution for environmental remediation.
