Superhydrophobic alkylsilane functionalized cellulose beads for efficient oil/water separation

In this paper, cellulose beads (CBs) were fabricated through a simple and straightforward approach based on cellulosic pulp's mechanical agitation after the cellulose extraction from the palm fibers. Subsequently, the CBs were coated in a simple process with the hydrolysis and polycondensation of the triethoxy(octyl)silane (TEOS) for their further application in the separation of the oily wastewater, which seriously threatens the environment and human safety. The superhydrophobic CBs-g-TEOS (WCA & AP;153 degrees) exhibited good absorption capacities from 14.7 to 29.9 (g/g) for organic oils and solvents. They also showed good absorption capacity in acid, alkaline and saline environments as well as stable long-term recyclability and reusability (tested over 20 cycles) with an absorption capacity of 24.4 g/g for xylene and 23.6 g/g for toluene taken as an example. Due to their ecological qualities, low cost, and easy fabrication, coated cellulose beads with TEOS are a promising prospect for oil-water separation.

Automated summary

Cellulose beads (CBs) were fabricated through mechanical agitation after cellulose extraction from palm fibers. These CBs were then coated with triethoxy(octyl)silane (TEOS) for their application in the separation of oily wastewater. The superhydrophobic CBs-g-TEOS exhibited good absorption capacities for organic oils and solvents, as well as stability and reusability in various environments. Due to their ecological qualities, low cost, and easy fabrication, coated cellulose beads with TEOS show promise for oil-water separation.