Fabrication of robust 3D superhydrophobic material by a simple and low-cost method for oil-water separation and oil absorption

In this paper, a robust and magnetic recyclable 3D superhydrophobic material (SHM) was successfully prepared through a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly method. A rough surface structure of the 3D SHM could be easily obtained by the electrodeposition of metallic copper on the Ni foam and a different micro-nano structure could be obtained by adjusting the electrodeposition time. Subsequently, 1-octadecanethiol self-assembled on the micro-nano structure could lower the surface energy and protect the copper coating. The 3D SHM presents high superhydrophobicity. In addition, the as-prepared 3D SHM shows outstanding chemical and secular stabilities after it was treated with solutions with a wide range of pH values. High stabilities and good superhydrophobicity with hierarchical micro-nano structure endow the 3D SHM with highly efficient and stable oil-water separation capacity. In addition, a mini boat was made using the 3D SHM to collect oil spill. We hope that this robust 3D SHM will be widely used for oil-water separation and oil spill collection.