Preparation of Superhydrophobic and Superoleophilic Surface on Cu Mesh by One-step Method and Its Application in Oil-Water Separation

A superhydrophobic and superoleophilic surface was prepared via one-step anodization method. The micromorphology and chemical composition was characterized by the thermal field emission electron microscope and X ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyzer. The wettability was tested by contact angle meter, and the peel strength was measured by mechanical testing machine. The results show that micro/nano binary roughness covered by copper myristate is generated when the optimized anodization voltage is 10 V. The water contact angle and water sliding angle of the prepared surface are 153.0 degrees +/- 2.3 degrees and 7.5 degrees, respectively. The adhesion of the water droplet on the surface is very low, and the oil contact angle is 0 degrees. Copper myristate is firmly attached to the surface, and the surface exhibits good mechanical stability. The oil-water test shows that the prepared surface can separate several kinds of oil/water mixture efficiency and the separation efficiency could exceed 96%. Even after 10 cycles, more than 90% kerosene can be separated from the kerosene/water mixture, demonstrating that the prepared surface has good recyclability.