Oil/water separation is a signification field as it has direct practical influence for resolving the problem of industrial oily wastewater and other oil/water pollution. Thus, it is imperative to develop oil/water separation materials. In this article, the basic theory of special wettability and design concept for oil-water separation materials are introduced to understand the physical mechanisms that occur during the oil/water separation process. Then, we summarize the new development of fabricating special wettability materials which are adjusted the surface microstructure and surface chemical composition to satisfy different oil-water separation effect. Moreover, characteristics of special wettability material are revealed from the micro/nano scale, aiming to provide a roadmap and technical base for the oriented design and control of functional material chemicals. Finally, some challenges are discussed and the outlook in this field is proposed.
Contents
1 Introduction
2 Definition and mechanism of surface special wettability
3 Special wettable oil/water separation material
3.1 Superhydrophobic/superoleophilic materials for oil/water separation
3.2 Superhydrophilic-underwater superoleophobic materials for oil/water separation
3.3 Superhydrophilic/superoleophobic materials for oil/water separation
3.4 Smart materials with switchable wettability for oil/water separation
3.5 Comprehensive evaluation of special wettable oil/water separation materials
4 Conclusion and outlook