Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Polycaprolactone Foam via Phase Separation and Silica Modification for Oil–Water Separation

Abstract

AbstractRising oil spills from contemporary industrial activities pose threats to local ecosystems. This study presents a novel approach, fabricating superhydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) 3D porous foam for oil–water separation using thermally induced nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (TINIPS) and silica modification, achieving an impressive water contact angle of 151.56°. PCL foam exhibits remarkable versatility, proving effective in oil absorption on water surfaces and underwater, with an adsorption capacity reaching 9.32 times its weight. Additionally, film‐like PCL foam emerges as a valuable tool for oil–water separation through filtration, maintaining a flux of 13.63 m3 m−2 h−1 even after 10 cycles. This research advances superhydrophobic materials, demonstrating practical applications in mitigating environmental challenges posed by oil spills.