Preparation of a new superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber used as an oil absorbent for selective absorption of oil from water

Background: Oil leakages frequently occur during oil product development and oil transportation. These incidents are a vital factor in water contamination, thus leading to serious environmental destruction. Therefore, superhydrophobic/superoleophilic material is one of the solutions to treat oily wastewater. Results: This study aimed to develop a simple, fast and low-cost method to treat oily wastewater by synthesizing a new superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber via conventional impregnation. The corresponding results illustrate that abundant homogeneous silica (SiO₂) granules evenly accreted on the surface of the prepared fiber were conducive to high surface roughness. Meanwhile, (Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyl) trimethoxysilane, a sort of silane coupling agent, could greatly reduce surface free energy by grafting with SiO₂ particles on the corn straw fiber surface. The obtained superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber exhibited a water contact angle of 152° and an oil contact angle of 0° for various oils, strongly demonstrating its considerable application as an oil absorbent that can be applied for oil cleanup. In addition, the prepared fiber displayed a great chemical stability and environmental durability. Conclusions: Due to its high absorption capacity and absorption efficiency, the prepared fiber has great potential as a new oil absorbent for treatment of oily water.[Figure not available: see fulltext.].