Preparation of superhydrophilic/superoleophobic wettability on porous copper foam surface and oil and water separation

Selective super-wetting surfaces maintain the contrasting super-wetting properties for the oil and the water, and that have received widespread attention since 2000 due to their high surface energy, particularly in oil-water separation applications. Concerning about these surfaces, superoleophobic/superhydrophilic surfaces are effective due to their oil-repellent characteristics.In this paper, Ultraviolet light polymerization was used to polymerize fluorinated substances (TFOA) and hydrophilic substances (MMA), forming a coating on chemically etched copper foam. The resulting porous copper foam exhibited superhydrophilicity and superoleophobicity, facilitating effective oil-water separation tests. The fluorinated substances imparted oleophobic properties to the surface, while the hydrophilic substances provided hydrophilic characteristics to the copper foam. Wear resistance tests using sandpaper and a Taber abrasion tester confirmed that the copper foam exhibits good mechanical durability. The superoleophobic/superhydrophilic copper foam can offer the solution that can overcome continuous oil/water separation process, and help us develop antifouling fabrics, together with selfcleaning surfaces.