One-step fabrication of robust superhydrophobic cerium-based nickel foam for oil-water separation and photocatalytic degradation

Abstract

BackgroundSignificant research efforts have been devoted to develop oil–water separation materials suitable for efficient treatment of oil-polluted water. Promisingly, the material that combines superhydrophobicity and photocatalysis for water purification is considered to be an effective solution. MethodsIn this study, stable superhydrophobic cerium-based nickel foam was fabricated via a one-step electrodeposition method. The stability of the as-prepared material was investigated by physical and chemical methods. The oil–water separation effect and degradation process were studied in detail and a plausible mechanism was proposed. Significant FindingsThe results showed that the formed foam exhibited excellent superhydrophobicity with a contact angle of about 153.6°. The foam could withstand chemical corrosion (acid, alkaline, and salt solutions) and mechanical abrasion and demonstrated good stability. The foam was also effective in separation of various types of oil–water mixtures and photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B under simulated sunlight irradiation with the degradation efficiency of over 94.1%. The degradation path was obtained by detecting the intermediate products. The degradation performance could be attributed to RhB molecules being attacked by radicals from Ce(CH3(CH2)16COO)n. In this study, an attractive composite material that combines superhydrophobic and photocatalytic properties was prepared by a facile approach and its potential application for water purification was demonstrated.