Superhydrophobic Leaf Mesh Decorated with SiO2 Nanoparticle–Polystyrene Nanocomposite for Oil–Water Separation

Abstract

Here, we report a novel and simple approach to fabricate crater-like superhydrophobic leaf mesh for oil–water separation. Nanocomposite of SiO2 and polystyrene (SiO2–PS) deposited on a naturally dried Tectona grandis leaf mesh showed excellent superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. The obtained multifunctional leaf mesh exhibited fast separation of various oils like petrol, kerosene, diesel, coconut oil from oil–water mixtures with separation efficiency greater than 95%, which lasts for more than 18 separation cycles. The prepared material can be used efficiently for the oil–water mixture separation for any oil with absolute viscosity of less than 55 cP.