Preparation of superhydrophobic polyimide microstructural layer on copper mesh for oil/water separation

Abstract With the development of economy and society, the wanton chaotic emission of oily wastewater causes serious pollution to environment. We attempt to prepare the superhydrophobic copper meshes modified by hierarchical polymeric microstructures to separate oil/water mixtures. After a solvothermal process and an acylation reaction, the surface of copper meshes can be well coated with a polyimide layer modified by lauroyl groups. The obtained meshes exhibited both superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties with a water contact angle above 150° due to the increased roughness and the hydrophobic property of long alkyl chains. Moreover, the modified meshes exhibit good durability under strongly acidic and alkaline environment conditions. Thereby, the as-prepared meshes can act as a high performance filter to separate oil/water mixture with a good reusability. It is expected that the superhydrophobic surface can serve as a promising alternative to conventional techniques for oil/water separation.