In situ separation and collection of oil from water surface via a novel superoleophilic and superhydrophobic oil containment boom.

We have prepared a porous, superoleophilic and superhydrophobic miniature oil containment boom (MOCB) for the in situ separation and collection of oils from the surface of water. The MOCB was fabricated by a one-step electrodepositing of Cu2O film on Cu mesh surface without using low surface energy materials. Oils on water surface could be fast contained in the MOCB while water was completely repelled out of the MOCB, thus achieving the separation of oil from water surface. In addition, the contained oil in the MOCB could be in situ collected easily by a dropper, thus achieving the collection of oil. Moreover, the MOCB could be reused for many times in the oil-water separating process with large separation abilities more than 90%. The MOCB also possessed excellent water pressure resistance for about 164 mm water column and good corrosion resistance in simulating seawater. Therefore, the findings in the present study might offer a simple, fast, and low-cost method for the in situ separation and collection of oil spills on seawater surface.