Superhydrophobic and anti-ultraviolet polymer nanofiber composite with excellent stretchability and durability for efficient oil/water separation

Abstract

Superhydrophobic nanofibrous membranes have attracted tremendous attention to deal with some environmental problems like oil leakage and wastewater treatment; however, their poor durability, recyclability and stability limit their broad applications in the complex and harsh water treatment. Here, we prepared a superhydrophobic, anti-ultraviolet, durable and stretchable nanofiber composite membrane. TiO2 nanoparticles were anchored onto the thermal plastic polyurethane (PU) nanofiber surface by ultrasonication, followed by polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) modification. PDMS could decrease the nanoparticle surface energy and hence improve the hydrophobicity of the nanofibrous membrane. More importantly, it was served as a “glue”, significantly enhancing the interfacial adhesion between the TiO2 nanoparticles and PU nanofibers and thus the mechanical properties. The obtained composite membrane displayed excellent corrosion resistance and UV blocking performance, which could be maintained after cyclic mechanical tests. The superhydrophobic/superoleophilic nanofiber composite could separate oil with not only water but also salt, acid and alkaline solution. In addition, the nanofiber membrane could be repeatedly used with the stable separation flux and efficiency, displaying great durability and recyclability.