Fenton photocatalytic sponges for rapid separation of emulsified-oil/dyes

Abstract

It is challenging to effectively and swiftly address oil and dye pollution. Herein, AM/MAA/HNTs/β-FeOOH sponges with high adsorption performance and strong photocatalytic resistance to oil/dye pollution is reported. β-FeOOH loading increases the specific surface area of the whole material in HNTs, which improves the adsorption of dyes. Composites of HNTs/β-FeOOH of appropriate ratio can realize the adsorption of dyes (C ≤ 20 mg L⁻¹) in 3 min. In addition, due to the photocatalytic properties of β-FeOOH, HNTs/β-FeOOH can also realize the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (C = 30 mg L⁻¹) in 30 min. The underwater superoleophobic properties of the AM/MAA/HNTs/β-FeOOH sponge is attributed to improvements of roughness and hydrophilicity. The modified sponge with its special wettability and good adsorption photocatalytic performance enables it to rapidly separate emulsion/dyes (C < 10 mg L⁻¹). This study provides an alternative and effective solution for the problem of oil/dye contamination in complicated wastewater.