A novel superhydrophobic bulk material

Abstract

To solve the mechanical damage and oil fouling problems, a novel superhydrophobic bulk material was fabricated by a simple approach. The superhydrophobic property of the resulting bulk material was retained after 20 abrasion cycles and even after cutting deep into it. The bulk material can thermally regenerate its superhydrophobicity for repeated use when fouled by oil. Exploiting this material's superhydrophobicity and thermal stability, the strongly oleophilic bulk material is demonstrated as a reusable oil sorbent scaffold in water.