Nanoreactor-Mediated Covalent Anchoring Strategy for Robust, Fluorine-Free, and Multifunctional Superhydrophobic...

The development of advanced separation materials that reconcile functional versatility with structural durability remains a critical challenge in oily wastewater remediation. Herein, we report a chemically robust, fluorine-free superhydrophobic cotton fabric (Cot@Ag-HSiO₂@PDMS) engineered via a "nanoreactor-mediated" interfacial anchoring strategy. Distinct from conventional physical coatings, amino-functionalized silica nanospheres were employed as nanoreactors for the in situ immobilization of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), ensuring uniform dispersion. Crucially, these functionalized nanocomposites were covalently grafted onto periodate-oxidized cellulose fibers through stable Schiff base linkages, followed by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) encapsulation. This hierarchical architecture endows the fabric with exceptional superhydrophobicity (WCA = 161.7°) and mechanical resilience, retaining its liquid repellency after 100 tape-peeling cycles, 200 sandpaper abrasion cycles, and rigorous laundering. In practical applications, the engineered fabric demonstrates a separation efficiency exceeding 98.7% for various oil/water mixtures and exhibits superior chemical stability across a broad pH range (1-14). Beyond passive separation, the integration of Ag NPs imparts active multifunctional capabilities: a synergistic "repel-and-kill" mechanism achieving >99.9% antibacterial efficiency against E. coli and S. aureus and rapid photothermal response for solar-driven deicing. This work can be adapted into specialized oil-absorbing curtains or protective gear, providing a platform for anti-icing, oil collection, and antibacterial functions. This synergistic protection mechanism ensures the safe and continuous cleanup of oil spills in harsh frozen environments, providing a viable solution for complex marine governance.