Mussel-inspired Ag nanoparticles anchored sponge for oil/water separation and contaminants catalytic reduction

Abstract

In this study, a multifunctional material for highly efficient oil/water separation and catalytic reduction has been fabricated via a facile two-step immersion method. Firstly, PVA sponge was coated with polydopamine and polyethylenepolyamine codeposition films, and then Ag nanoparticle was reduced and anchored on sponge. The as-prepared Ag@PDA/PEPA sponge exhibits superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic wettability and the Ag nanoparticles on the sponge possess catalytic performance. The composite materials can simultaneously achieve has been significantly promoting and decomposition of water-miscible contaminants as the water pass through the sponge in a short time. The separation efficiencies of various oil/water mixtures are above 99.9% in a single unit operation with high fluxes, and 4-nitrophenol can be effectively reduced while the water pass through the modified sponge. The multifunctional composite sponge allows continuous treatment of polluted oily wastewater and has broad potential in purification engineering.