Robust magnetic polystyrene foam for high efficiency and removal oil from water surface

In this study, a robust magnetic polystyrene foam with selective absorption ability was successfully fabricated via a low-cost method. Owing to its highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic properties, it could selectively absorb a variety of oils and organic solvents from a polluted water surface. The robust magnetic polystyrene foam had a large absorption capacity up to 17.83 times of its own weight and could be separated from the surface of water by magnetic technology. More importantly, the magnetic polystyrene foam could still retain a high absorption capacity and water contact angle for oil-water separation after the 10th cycle. In addition, the magnetic polystyrene foam could be reused through a simple squeeze treatment. High absorption capacity, special selectivity and excellent recyclability promise the material great potential for the cleanup of oils and organic solvents from water surface.