Durable superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic cotton fabrics growing zinc oxide nanoarrays for application in separation of heavy/light oil and water mixtures as need

摘要

Based on controlling ZnO nanoarrays morphology and employing fluorine-free modification agent, superhydrophobicity in air and superoleophobicity under water were successfully achieved on the prepared cotton fabric surfaces via a two-step hydrothermal reaction. To increase adhesion between ZnO crystal layer and substrate surface, two kinds of silane coupling agents (hydrophobic TTOP-12 and hydrophilic KH550) were added selectively in the pretreatment process. The as-prepared fabric exhibited great tolerance and durableness towards external harsh environments, such as mechanical abrasion, UV radiation, immersion of acid or alkali, and high temperature. In comparison, superhydrophobic fabrics showed superior separation effect for heavy oil and water mixture, while underwater superoleophobic fabric can also show efficient separation of water and light oil with high separation efficiency and flux. In a word, heavy/light oil and water mixtures can be separated efficiently as need by choosing cotton fabrics with various wettabilities.