Cu(OH)2/PA/PEI nanowires-coated copper mesh with superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity and anti-crude oil-fouling property for oil/water separation

Simple wet chemical method was used to prepare Cu(OH) 2 nanowire-coated copper mesh (denoted as Cu(OH) 2 -CM). Following modification with phytic acid (PA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI), superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic copper mesh (denoted as Cu(OH) 2 /PA/PEI-CM) with excellent mechanical and chemical stability was obtained. The Cu(OH) 2 /PA/PEI-CM exhibited efficient separation for various oil/water mixtures. Importantly, Cu(OH) 2 /PA/PEI-CM shows superior anti-crude oil fouling properties. A 280-cycle test (with only four cleanings) using a 2 cm 2 Cu(OH) 2 /PA/PEI demonstrates a large separation capacity, long-term stability and self-cleaning performance of the mesh during the treatment of a 11.2 L crude oil/water mixture. These distinct advantages give the Cu(OH) 2 /PA/PEI-CM great potential for practical application in separating oil pollutants from water.