Superhydrophobic polymer-coated copper-mesh; membranes for highly efficient oil–water separation

Abstract

A novel filtration system has been developed for the separation of water and hydrophobic solvents. Copper meshes of various pore diameter (297, 251, 178 and 152 μm) were coated with extremely rough silicone elastomer films. Depositions of this polymer were carried out by aerosol assisted chemical vapour deposition. The polymer coating rendered all meshes superhydrophobic, with static water contact angles of 152–167° depending on mesh diameter. The meshes were found to be exceptionally efficient in separating organic solvents (hexane, petroleum ether and toluene) from water. The dual-layered filtration system developed focuses on directing the transport of oil away from water with the highest efficiency. The device provides a scalable solution to many challenges, including microanalysis, filtration and chemical processing.