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• The superhydrophobic surface was prepared by a simple impregnation method; • The samples showed relatively good photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under light conditions;The samples exhibit excellent superhydrophobicity and thermal conductivity. • The samples showed physical/chemical/mechanical stability in harsh environments; • The samples have relatively excellent work-cycling ability. Water resources are increasingly being damaged by human activities, and it is crucial to deal effectively with polluted water resources. Due to the diversity of pollution sources (oil, organic dyes, and other complex pollutants), it makes sense to develop a material that can handle these pollutants simultaneously. In this article, we construct a simple and fast method to fabricate multifunctional superhydrophobic polyurethane sponges (PU). A superhydrophobic composite coating constructed from ZIF-8, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), and stearic acid (SA) was attached to the surface of the polyurethane sponge by a simple impregnation method. Through the above process, we have successfully integrated oil–water separation, photocatalysis, and superhydrophobicity into a polyurethane sponge. The results showed that the PDMS/SA/ZIF-8 polyurethane sponge (PSZPU) had a high hydrophobicity angle (162.9 ± 1.1°). In addition, PSZPU maintains high oil–water separation performance (mean value of separation efficiency > 94.24 %) and superhydrophobicity after oil–water separation cycling tests and a series of harsh environmental tests in acidic and alkaline solutions, high temperatures, abrasion, and UV aging irradiation. Overall, the creation of PSZPU provides a new application for superhydrophobic sponges in water resource treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This multifunction CEM-CuO-STA sample demonstrates great potentials in the field of wastewater treatment, oil spill cleanup, and anti-biofouling ability. [Display omitted] Wastewater is typically complicated with spilled oil, water soluble toxic dyes and microorganisms, making it hard to be processed and causing a significant threat to the environmental safety and human health. In this paper, we demonstrate a simple solution immersion method to obtain a multifunctional cellulose-based membrane (CBM) that possesses both superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 163° and superior functionalities including self-cleaning, oil–water separation, anti-biofouling, and photocatalytic degradation capabilities. The achievement of separation efficiency (96%), comparatively high flux (141 L·m−2·h−1) and recyclable (7 times) oil/water separation performance is attributed to the robust superhydrophobicity enabled by the synergy of metal oxide (i.e., CuO) nanostructure coating and stearic acid (SA) modification. The superhydrophobic CBM also preferentially adsorbs organic dyes in aqueous solution, e.g., methylene blue (MB), promoting their efficient decomposition (about 70.3% of MB decomposed in 3 h) with high recyclability under UV irradiation. Most remarkably, the CBM exhibits superior anti-biofouling capability and persistently resists the algae adhesion in long duration (over 20 days), as a result of the self-cleaning ability as well as the antimicrobial property of CuO nanoparticles. Our finding here paves the way to use simple, cost-effective, environmentally safe, and reliable method to fabricate multifunctional materials for wastewater treatment in complex environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the increasing contamination of freshwater supplies, it is essential to effectively treat industrial wastewater. However, treating industrial wastewater using a single method is challenging due to the presence of complex contaminants like petroleum, organic dyes, bacteria, and other complex contaminants. In this study, we present a straightforward and scalable approach to prepare multifunctional nanocellulose-based membranes (NM) that exhibit superhydrophobicity, self-cleaning, oil/water separation, photocatalysis, and anti-bioadhesion properties. To begin with, we created NM by extruding fiber slurry onto a stencil and drying it. Next, we built a polyurethane (PU)/ZIF‐8/1H, 1H, 2H, 2H‐perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (POTS)-based superhydrophobic layer by spraying it over the NM's surface. By employing the aforementioned processes, we successfully integrated multiple functions into a single superhydrophobic NM. Our results demonstrate that the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane exhibits superior hydrophobicity performance, with a high-water contact angle (166.8 ± 0.8°) and a low rolling angle (5 ± 0.3°). Moreover, these samples retain high-water contact angles and low rolling angles even in harsh environments such as acid and alkali solutions, high temperatures, abrasion resistance, UV aging resistance, bending and folding, tape peeling, and self-cleaning. The NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane also exhibits high and stable oil-water separation performance, with a separation efficiency of 94.6% and a relatively high separation flux (133.2 L·m−2·h−1). At the same time, the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane exhibits water-in-oil emulsion separation ability. The membrane's stability, effectiveness, and reusability were demonstrated through ten repetitions of degradation experiments using aqueous methylene blue solution, with the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane exhibiting an excellent degradation rate (>94%). Finally, the bioadhesion resistance test indicated a reduction of 69.1% in the adhesion rate of the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane. Overall, the creation of the NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membrane serves as a useful inspiration for the practical application of superhydrophobic NM in multifunctional integration, while also broadening the scope of membrane applications. [Display omitted] • A simple strategy to manufacturing multifunctional superhydrophobic NM-PU/ZIF-8/POTS membranes. • This membrane has high separation efficiency and flux for a variety of oils. • This membrane had outstanding anti-biofouling performance against Chlorella. • The degradation and anti-fouling tests proved its photocatalytic and self-cleaning performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of industrial oily wastewater is threats to the environment. A long-lasting Co(OH) 2 /stearic acid (STA)-based superhydrophobic/superoleophilic nanocellulose-based membrane (SSNM) for extremely effective oil/water and simultaneous removal of soluble dye was created to offer solutions to this problem. The mechanical durability of the prepared Co(OH) 2 /STA-based SSNMs was reinforced by depositing Co(OH) 2 and STA on the cellulose fibers. The Co(OH) 2 /STA-based SSNM shows a high water contact angle of 164 ± 2° and an oil contact angle of ∼0°, exhibiting excellent superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity. With good usage stability, high separation efficiencies (>94.0%) and high separation fluxes (>130 L·m−2·h−1) were achieved for four oils. The separation flux and efficiency of N-hexane did not change obviously after repeated separation. Furthermore, it exhibited reliable photocatalytic ability, which contributed to the reduction of organic contamination. As a result, Co(OH) 2 /STA-based SSNM shows strong potential for practical applications such as oil/water separation and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. [Display omitted] • We have effectively improved the hydrophobicity of nanocellulose membrane. • This superhydrophobic membrane possesses excellent superhydrophobicity and physicochemical durability. • Efficient membrane separation for dye wastewater and oil/water mixture. • Mussel-inspired membrane is utilized for industrial effluent removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complicated contaminants in wastewater, such as intractable oils, organic colors, and adhering organisms, have generated major environmental problems that are hazardous to ecosystems and human health, and wastewater purification is complex and difficult to achieve with a single substance or single process. A facile yet environmentally friendly technique for fabricating a superhydrophobic, oil-water separation, anti-bioadhesion, and photocatalytic Pulp/cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) membrane for all-in-one wastewater treatment is presented here. In this strategy, the hierarchical micro/nanostructured CeO 2 nanoparticles and stearic acid (STA)-coated Pulp/CNF (Pulp/CNF-CeO 2 -STA) membrane is fabricated via a straightforward and easy-to-operate coating method, which simultaneously endows the membrane with superwetting ability, good oil-water separation capacity, notable photocatalytic degradation capacity, and outstanding anti-bioadhesion action. According to the experimental results, the suitably prepared Pulp/CNF-CeO 2 -STA membrane displayed superior superhydrophobicity (water contact angle: 166 ± 2°), high separation efficiency (88%), and high throughput (73 L·m−2·h−1). This Pulp/CNF-CeO 2 -STA membrane also showed significant photocatalytic degradation (>94%) of organic dye pollutants in water, as well as good anti-bioadhesive performance against Chlorella. As such, it serves several functions in wastewater treatment, considerably simplifying installation and saving money in application. In conclusion, this unique coating process is environmentally benign and very practicable, paving the door for the development of multi-functional materials in environmental treatments. [Display omitted] • A facile coating process for the production of Pulp/CNF-CeO 2 -STA membrane. • This membrane exhibits good oil/water separation for different oil density. • This membrane was found to be anti-bioadhesive to Chlorella. • The degradation test of methylene blue proved its photocatalytic performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colorful superhydrophobic coating with high durability and versatility has been receiving tremendous attention in decorative applications. A one-step spraying method for fabricating colorful superhydrophobic nanocellulose-based membrane (CSNBM) with high durability, high-efficiency oil/water separation and oil spill cleanup is established by using octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS), pigment dispersions and n-hexane. The color diversity and depth of the CSNBM are regulated by adjusting the dosage of pigment dispersions. Due to the stoichiometrically regulated reaction of long-chain organosilanes with water, which produces micro to nanoscale hierarchical siloxane aggregates dispersible in industrial solvents, the colorful coating securely clings to the NBM surface to form CSNBM. Even after several severe testing, this CSNBM is proven to be exceedingly resilient, with no substantial decrease in superhydrophobicity (pH soultion test, wear abrasion, blending test and UV irradiation). Furthermore, this CSNBM can be employed to create various colorful paintings. This CSNBM can also be used to separate diverse oil/water combinations with high efficiency. Moreover, this CSNBM had excellent anti-fouling properties in a variety of liquids, including water, orange juice, coffee, tea, milk, and cola. This strategy will pave the way for the huge potential application in technological design or decoration, as well as hasten their commercialization in near future. [Display omitted] • Colorful superhydrophobic coating with excellent robustness has been developed. • The superhydrophobic coating exhibited excellent anti-fouling performance. • The superhydrophobic coating possessed superior environmental durability. • The storage stability of painted superhydrophobic artworks was greatly improved. • These painted superhydrophobic coatings can be easily applied in multiple industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A CM-MnO 2 -STA sample for oil/water separation, photocatalytic degradation and anti-biofouling property was obtained via MnO 2 micro/nano structure and subsequent modification of STA. This multifunction CM-MnO 2 -STA sample demonstrates great potentials in the field of wastewater treatment, oil spill cleanup, and anti-biofouling ability. [Display omitted] • A CM-MnO 2 -STA sample was obtained by MnO 2 micro/nano structure and STA. • This sample showed physical/chemical/mechanical stability in harsh environment. • This sample showed superior oil–water separation efficiency. • This sample showed great photocatalytic degradation activity. • This sample exhabited strong anti-biofouling adhesion potential. Flexible multiple functional cellulose-based membrane (CM) for oil/water separation, anti-microbial and photodegradation are in great demand in marine wastewater treatment due to its' effective and ecologically benign. Based on this requirement, MnO 2 micro/nanoparticles were in situ deposited on CM sample surface followed by decoration of stearic acid (STA) for very effective oil/water separation, anti-fouling, and dye photodegradation triggered by visible light. The results demonstrated that this as-prepared CM sample showed superhydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 162 ± 2° and superoleophilicity with an oil contact angle of 0°. It also demonstrated exceptional high stability in hostile environments (acid and alkali solution, high temperature, wear resistance, underwater writing, self-cleaning) and a 2.6% increase in tensile strength. In addition, it can successfully separate emulsified oils from typical oil-in-water emulsions with good separation efficiency all over 98% and comparatively high flux (145.8 L·m−2·h−1). After 8 cycles, the separation efficiency of the n-hexane/water emulsion is still over 98%. Moreover, over 98% of MB was degraded by using superhydrophobic CM sample, indicating strong photocatalytic activity. Meanwhile, in the maritime environment, this biomimetic sample decreased the adherence of green algae by more than 95%, demonstrating strong anti-biofouling adhesion potential. It indicates that this cost-effective, scalable, environmental friendly, and efficient methodology presented superhydrophobic CM sample has the potential to promote the widespread development of multipurpose superwetting materials, with enticing potential for the treatment of complex oily wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A superhydrophobicity cellulose membrane for high-efficiency oil/water separation and removal of hazardous organic pollutants was fabricated via depositing Fe 2 O 3 particles and subsequent modification of STA. This multifunction superhydrophobic cellulose membrane demonstrates great potentials in the field of oil-water separation field and photocatalytic property. [Display omitted] • A multifunction membrane was obtained by depositing Fe 2 O 3 particles and STA. • This membrane still show superhydrophobicity in harsh environment. • This membrane showed excellent oil-water separation ability. • This membrane exhibited great photocatalytic degradation activity. In this work, the fabrication and characterization of a multifunction cellulose membrane is reported: (і) high stable in harsh environment (acid/alkali solution, high temperature, abrasion, underwater writable, heat-insulated and self-cleaning), (іі) oil-water separation with high efficiency, and (ііі) effective and rapid photocatalytic degradation of hazardous environmental contaminants. This multifunction cellulose membrane was successfully prepared through depositing Fe 2 O 3 particles and subsequent modification of stearic acid (STA). The results showed that this multifunction cellulose membrane had excellent superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties with a high static water contact angle of 167.2 ± 2°. Moreover, it possessed unusual repellent properties towards acid/alkali solution, abrasion, high temperature and heat-insulated properties. This membrane could also be used for writing underwater and keep satisfactory superhydrophobic performance for a long time with a water contact angle of 154.2 ± 2°. It also showed a high separation efficiency (>89.0 %) and a high separation flux (greater than 80 Lm−2 h−1) for these three oils (toluene, trichloromethane and n-Hexane). After repeated separation for 6 cycles, the separation flux and separation efficiency of n-Hexane has not changed significantly. It also demonstrated reliable photocatalytic ability, a useful property for resisting organic contaminations. Compared with conventional cellulose membrane, it is anticipated that this multifunction superhydrophobic cellulose membrane is not only really competitive in complex and harsh environment, but also demonstrates great potentials in the field of effective underwater treatment, fire-proof applications, oil-water separation field and photocatalytic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]