Preparation of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic polyurethane foam for oil spill cleanup

Abstract

Preparation, characterization and applications of a novel polyurethane based superhydrophobic and superoleophilic absorbent were studied for the purpose of oil-spill cleanup or water-oil/organic solvent separation. Porous superhydrophobic polyurethane foam was synthesized, followed by a one-step reaction to incorporate copper oxide nanoparticles (nano CuO) and n-hexadecylamine (HDA) onto the surface framework of the polyurethane foam with the aids of oxidative self-polymerization of dopamine. The morphology, thermal stability, and surface wettability of the modified polyurethane foam were characterized by scanning electron microscope, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and water contact angle instrumentation. The water contact angle and water sliding angle of the foam up to 153° and 6° respectively, indicating that the modified polyurethane foam had good superhydrophobicity. It was demonstrated that the absorption capacity of the foam for oils/organic solvents was up to 45 times its own weight. The oils/organic solvents absorbed in the foam could be easily recovered by simply pressing, and an oil absorption capacity of higher than 90% was retained after 50 cycles of usage. This study provided a feasible strategy for the preparation of superhydrophobic and superoleophilic foams for water-oil/organic solvent separation.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Polyurethane foam
• polydopamine
• n-hexadecylamine
• superhydrophobic and superoleophilic
• oil-water separation

Additional information

Funding

Support from National Natural Science Foundation of China under Grant [number 21176163 and 21576174]. Suzhou Industrial Park, the Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, and the Program of Innovative Research Team of Soochow University are gratefully acknowledged. The authors also greatly appreciate the instrumental analysis supports from Soochow University Analysis and Testing Center.