Ultra-robust Superhydrophobic/superoleophilic Stainless Mesh Coated by PTFE/SiO2 for Oil/water Separation

In this study, a superhydrophobic and superoleophilic stainless mesh coated with polytetrafluoroethylene/silicon dioxide (PTFE/SiO 2 ) was fabricated through electrostatic self-assembly method followed by sintering treatment. The PTFE was utilized to construct low-surface-energy surface and the SiO 2 nanoparticles were added to enhance its surface roughness. The as-prepared stainless mesh exhibited desirable superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity with a water contact angle of 152° and oil contact angle of 0°. The coated stainless mesh could separate a variety of oil/water mixtures with high efficiency and it also exhibited good recyclability. Moreover, the corrosion-resistance of stainless mesh was greatly improved by coating it with PTFE. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements showed that the coated mesh could withstand high temperature of up to 430°C, indicating excellent thermal-resistance. It is believed that this ultra-robust stainless mesh would have significant potential applications in industry.