High crystalline LDHs with strong adsorption properties effectively remove oil and micro-nano plastics

Abstract

Micro-nano plastics are a growing threat to the Earth's ecosystems and to human beings, and they are not easily detected and are highly susceptible to spreading and transportation. Based on the tenet of cleaner production, there is an urgent need to recover oil and micro-nano plastics in water. In this paper, nanolayered double hydroxides (LDHs) with high crystallinity were obtained by hydrothermal method and mixed with PDMS and epoxy resin, and after dip-coating on polyurethane sponges, a kind of green and environmentally friendly PLT@PU sponge was obtained. Thanks to the bonding ability of the epoxy resin, the LDHs can well provide nanostructures and combine with PDMS to provide superhydrophobicity. Based on superhydrophobicity and capillary action, the PLT@PU sponge can quickly adsorb light/heavy oils in water. Based on electrostatic attraction, capillary action, hydrophobicity and chemical bonding, PLT@PU sponge can remove micro and nano plastics in water well. In addition, simulation analysis was performed by Langmuir model and Freundlich isothermal adsorption model. This homogeneous, mechanically durable and reusable excellent adsorbent has a wide range of application scenarios.