One-step Condensation/copolymerization of VTES and DVB for Self-assembly Bionic Superhydrophobic Surface Coating and Study on Oil-water Separation

Mimicry of nature drives the development of bionic materials. Bionic superhydrophobic materials are a kind of high-efficiency materials to handle oil spills and water pollution. However, the stability of surface coatings of the superhydrophobic materials remains a challenge. Herein, a new category of self-assembly bionic superhydrophobic surface coating was prepared via one-step condensation/copolymerization of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) and divinylbenzene (DVB), which realized the close combination of covalent bonds between organic (e.g. DVB) and inorganic matter (e.g. VTES), and avoided the swelling of polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) in the process of collection of oil from water. This organic-inorganic hybrid polymer could self-assembly deposit on the surface of sponge even other substrates. For example, P(VTES-DVB)-SiO2/MS obtained by assembling P(VTES-DVB)-SiO2 on the surface of Melamine Sponge (MS) exhibited superhydrophobicity with a Water Contact Angle (WCA) of 157.3 degrees, the optimal adsorption capacity of 77 g center dot g(-1) - 136 g center dot g(-1) for diverse oils, and an excellent separation efficiency of 99.3%. Besides, the excellent acid and alkali resistance of P(VTES-DVB)-SiO2/MS suggested the potential value in practical oil-water separation. P(VTES-DVB)-SiO2 showed the outstanding hydrophobic performance by using as coating on different substrates. This work provided a new idea about the stable combination of organic and inorganic matter in the surface modification.

Automated summary

A new category of self-assembly bionic superhydrophobic surface coating was developed, which has excellent oil-water separation efficiency and acid-alkali resistance.