Reduced graphene oxide-coated cottons for selective absorption of organic solvents and oils from water

Abstract

Superwetting materials have attracted considerable interest both in academia and industry. In this work, the reduced graphene oxide (RGO)-coated cotton (GCC) was prepared by a facile and inexpensive dip-coating method. By modification with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), superhydrophobic and superoleophilic GCC was obtained, which shows a water contact angle of 152°. The PDMS-treated GCC exhibits selective absorption of organics and oils from water with an absorption capacity up to 11 to 25 times its weight. Also, the as-prepared product shows excellent stability and recyclability; both saturated absorption capacity and water CA value remain nearly unchanged after 9 cycles of use. Taking advantage of the excellent absorption selectivity, simple fabrication process, good stability and recyclability, this material may find a variety of applications such as in water treatment, purification, separation, oil spill cleanups and so on.