Long-lived superhydrophobic fabric-based films via Fenton reaction for efficient oil/water separation

Superhydrophobic/superoleophilic films have aroused much attention for their high efficiency in treating oily wastewater. However, vulnerable robustness of films have mightily hindered their practical applications. Here, combined with Fenton reaction to promote dopamine oxidative autopolymerization and iron chelate deposition, micro/nano fabric-based film was obtained. Then modified with octadecylamine to obtain a long-lived, efficient, and eco-friendly oil/water separation film (LEEOSF). LEEOSF has outstanding mechanical and chemical robustness, maintaining excellent superhydrophobic properties even after 1000 sandpaper abrasions, water impact/wet rubbing 20 times, 3000 heavy hammer impacts and up to 5 months of outdoor weathering. In addition, LEEOSF also has remarkable oil/water separation efficiency and has long-lasting robustness. Its separation efficiency for non-mixed oil/water phases and two mixed oil/water phases exceed 98.6%. And the separation efficiency of dichloromethane/water remained above 98% with a flux of 6731 L m � 2h-1 despite 20 cycles. This study employs a novel combination strategy that provides innovative ideas for the development of the oil/water separation field.

Automated summary

A micro/nano fabric-based film was obtained by combining Fenton reaction with dopamine oxidative autopolymerization and iron chelate deposition. Modified with octadecylamine, the film became a long-lived, efficient, and eco-friendly oil/water separation film (LEEOSF). LEEOSF exhibits outstanding mechanical and chemical robustness, maintaining excellent superhydrophobic properties even after repeated sandpaper abrasions, water impact, and outdoor weathering.