Magnetically driven motile superhydrophobic sponges for efficient oil removal

An in situ oil removal strategy based on magnetically propelled superhydrophobic sponges is described. Millimeter-sized 3D porous superhydrophobic sponges with magnetic properties were fabricated by modifying commercial sponges with superhydrophobic PDA/Fe3O4 nanoparticles. High capacity of the sponges for different kinds of oils allows rapid removal of oil contaminants. The sponges were employed to remove oil droplets from water following different routes, indicating precise motion control and good separation selectivity. Study on reusability showed that the sponges still maintained high absorption capacity after five regeneration and reuse cycles. In combination with the precise magnetic control, the recyclable superhydrophobic sponges blaze new trails for environmental remediation. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.