Magnetically Enhanced Superhydrophobic Functionalized Polystyrene Foam for the High Efficient Cleaning of Oil Spillage

Abstract

Pollution of oils and organic solvents is a great harm to water environment, therefore, the design to develop high efficient material to absorb the sudden accidents of oil leakage is increasing instantly. A series of highly efficient absorption materials, which had been cross-linked into the three dimensional structure, such as foam and sponge were applied to extract oil from water. In this study, we for the first time, introduce Fe3O4 and polystyrene (PS) to produce the efficient absorption of functionalized magnetic polystyrene foam (FMPF). The superhydrophobic functionalized magnetic polystyrene foam (SFMPF) was synthesized via an environmentally friendly low surface energy modification, and the thicknesses effect on the oil absorption efficiency of the as-prepared foam was studied. Our SFMPF could separate numerous oils and organic solvents from their mixtures with water, and the maximum absorption capacity could reach up to 56.8 times of its own weight. The absorbed oils and organic solvents could be recycled by a simple mechanical extrusion. Moreover, SFMPF remained a high absorption capacity and water contact angle under magnetic field even after 60 times regeneration, certifying their good durability. The superhydrophobic functionalized foam prepared by the facile method could be used to deal with large scale oil spills, which makes it very promising for practical applications.