Preparation of a new superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber used as an oil absorbent for selective absorption of oil from water

Yang Xu, Haiyue Yang, Deli Zang, Yan Zhou, Feng Liu, Xiaochen Huang, Jo Shu Chang, Chengyu Wang, Shih Hsin Ho

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Oil leakages frequently occur during oil product development and oil transportation. These incidents are a vital factor in water contamination, thus leading to serious environmental destruction. Therefore, superhydrophobic/superoleophilic material is one of the solutions to treat oily wastewater. Results: This study aimed to develop a simple, fast and low-cost method to treat oily wastewater by synthesizing a new superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber via conventional impregnation. The corresponding results illustrate that abundant homogeneous silica (SiO2) granules evenly accreted on the surface of the prepared fiber were conducive to high surface roughness. Meanwhile, (Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyl) trimethoxysilane, a sort of silane coupling agent, could greatly reduce surface free energy by grafting with SiO2 particles on the corn straw fiber surface. The obtained superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber exhibited a water contact angle of 152° and an oil contact angle of 0° for various oils, strongly demonstrating its considerable application as an oil absorbent that can be applied for oil cleanup. In addition, the prepared fiber displayed a great chemical stability and environmental durability. Conclusions: Due to its high absorption capacity and absorption efficiency, the prepared fiber has great potential as a new oil absorbent for treatment of oily water.[Figure not available: see fulltext.].

Original languageEnglish
Article number8
JournalBioresources and Bioprocessing
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018 Dec 1

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biotechnology
  • Food Science
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

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