MoS2/CuS nanosheets coated on brass mesh with switchable superwettability for efficient immiscible organic solvent/water separation

Abstract MoS2/CuS nanosheets coated on brass mesh with switchable superwettability have been prepared through a facile hydrothermal method. The MoS2/CuS coated mesh shows excellent underwater superlyophobicity and underliquid superhydrophobicity for gravity-driven immiscible organic solvent/water mixtures separation. Switchable permeation function of water-removing or organic solvent-removing can be achieved by water or organic solvent pre-wetted mesh. After 20 cycles of organic solvent/water separation, the MoS2/CuS coated mesh demonstrates high separation efficiency above 99.5% for both of cyclohexane/water mixture and tetrachloroethylene/water mixture. The MoS2/CuS coated mesh presents satisfactory chemical stability under acidic or alkaline conditions in the pH range of 1–13. The switchable superwetting property and chemical stability make it possible to be a potential candidate in separation of immiscible organic solvent/water mixture.