Fabrication of superhydrophobic-superoleophilic copper mesh via thermal oxidation and its application in oil–water separation

• Published in: Applied surface science Vol. 367; pp. 493 - 499
• Main Authors: Yanlong, Shi, Wu, Yang, Xiaojuan, Feng, Yongsheng, Wang, Guoren, Yue, Shuping, Jin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 30.03.2016
• Subjects: Anticorrosion; Bearing strength; Construction materials; Copper; Copper mesh; Corrosion prevention; Oil–water separation; Oxidation; Separation; Strategy; Superhydrophobic; Superoleophilic; Surface treatment; Oil–water separation; Superhydrophobic; Anticorrosion; Superoleophilic; Copper mesh
• ISSN: 0169-4332; 1873-5584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2016.01.233

•Copper mesh with superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity was fabricated.•The mesh exhibited low adhesive self-cleaning and striking loading capacity.•The copper mesh could be applied to separate oil–water mixture.•The superhydrophobic copper mesh exhibits superior corrosion resistance. A copper mesh with superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity was fabricated via thermal oxidation and subsequent surface modification. After surface treatment, the copper mesh exhibited self-cleaning properties, striking loading capacities, and superior anticorrosion. In addition, the copper mesh could be used in a separator for separating oil from oily water with high efficiency. The presented approach may provide a promising strategy for the design and construction of superhydrophobic-superoleophilic materials which can be used for separating oil from oily water.