One-step Condensation/copolymerization of VTES and DVB for Self-assembly Bionic Superhydrophobic Surface Coating and Study on Oil-water Separation

Mimicry of nature drives the development of bionic materials. Bionic superhydrophobic materials are a kind of high-efficiency materials to handle oil spills and water pollution. However, the stability of surface coatings of the superhydrophobic materials remains a challenge. Herein, a new category of self-assembly bionic superhydrophobic surface coating was prepared via one-step condensation/copolymerization of vinyltriethoxysilane (VTES) and divinylbenzene (DVB), which realized the close combination of covalent bonds between organic ( e.g. DVB) and inorganic matter ( e.g. VTES), and avoided the swelling of polydivinylbenzene (PDVB) in the process of collection of oil from water. This organic-inorganic hybrid polymer could self-assembly deposit on the surface of sponge even other substrates. For example, P(VTES-DVB)-SiO 2 /MS obtained by assembling P(VTES-DVB)-SiO 2 on the surface of Melamine Sponge (MS) exhibited superhydrophobicity with a Water Contact Angle (WCA) of 157.3°, the optimal adsorption capacity of 77 g·g −1 − 136 g·g −1 for diverse oils, and an excellent separation efficiency of 99.3%. Besides, the excellent acid and alkali resistance of P(VTES-DVB)-SiO 2 /MS suggested the potential value in practical oil-water separation. P(VTES-DVB)-SiO 2 showed the outstanding hydrophobic performance by using as coating on different substrates. This work provided a new idea about the stable combination of organic and inorganic matter in the surface modification.