Fabrication of robust mesh with anchored Ag nanoparticles for oil removal and in situ catalytic reduction of aromatic dyes

Effective removal of oils and aromatic dyes from water is of critical, global importance for environmental and water remediation. A green and facile electro-deposition approach to anchor Ag nanoparticles (NPs) onto the surface of a mesh support coated with polydopamine is proposed. The Ag NPs with high surface energy and specific surface area endow the resultant mesh with superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity as well as superior catalytic reduction ability of aromatic dyes. The mesh with anchored Ag NPs exhibits excellent oil removal capacity and in situ catalytic performance in the reduction of sundry aromatic dyes. Furthermore, the as-prepared mesh can be readily reused or stored in air even under harsh conditions because of its robust immobilization capability and strong resistance to oxidation. These versatile abilities integrated with a facile fabrication process provide promising potential for cost-effective water purification.