A multi-functional oil–water separator from a selectively pre-wetted superamphiphobic paper

Abstract

A multi-functional oil–water separator is prepared from a paper towel spray coated with superamphiphobic (i.e., superhydrophobic and superoleophobic) nanoparticles. After the separator is pre-wetted with ethanol, followed by water, water can be removed from the light oil–water mixture and emulsions by gravity with high separation efficiency (99.9%) and separation flux. Vice versa, heavy oil can be removed by gravity on an ethanol–oil pre-wetted SA-paper.