Lightweight, hydrophobic and recyclable carbon foam derived from lignin–resorcinol–glyoxal resin for oil and solvent spill capture

This study reported synthesis of carbon foam from lignin–resorcinol–glyoxal (LRG) resin as carbon source and polyurethane (PU) foam as sacrificial template for effective removal of oils and organic solvents from water. The carbon foam with large surface area and high porosity was fabricated by carbonization of resin impregnated PU foam. The carbon foam can effectively absorb various oil or organic solvents from the aqueous media due to hydrophobic nature. Also, it can be recycled by completely burning the oil or organic solvents without destroying the foam structure. The carbon foam with high absorption capacity and good recyclability properties in the present work suggests promising applications in removal of oils and organic solvent spill from water.