A facile approach to superhydrophobic and superoleophilic graphene/polymer aerogels

Superhydrophobic and superoleophilic graphene/polyvinylidene fluoride (G/PVDF) aerogels were prepared by solvothermal reduction of the graphene oxide and PVDF mixed dispersions. The chemical reduction of the graphene oxide component was verified by FT-IR, XRD, XPS, Raman spectroscopy and TGA. The as-prepared aerogel showed high specific surface area, eminent absorption capacity for oils and organic solvents, superior water repelling ability, excellent absorption recyclability, and considerable mechanical properties. Therefore, this kind of aerogel is a promising material for oil-water separation, oil spill cleanup and recovery of organic solvents. Moreover, this work paved a facile way to fabricate superhydrophobic and superoleophilic graphene-based aerogels with graphene oxide and a hydrophobic polymer.