Wood-based microhaired superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic surfaces for oil/water separation

Abstract

Wood-based superhydrophobic and underwater superoleophobic surfaces are fabricated using a scalable replication technique. Lignin-based polymer is microstructured with a heated mold, resulting in a superhydrophobic/superoleophilic surface covered with microhairs. The microhaired surface is used to clean crude oil spills and to separate oil/water mixtures by absorbing oil. After treating the microhaired surface with argon plasma it acquires underwater superoleophobic property necessary for removing water from the oil/water mixtures.