A Mechanically Flexible Superhydrophobic Rock Wool Modified with Reduced Graphene Oxide‐Chloroperene Rubber for Oil‐Spill Clean‐Up. Issue 12 (5th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davardoostmanesh, Maryam; Ahmadzadeh, Hossein
• Is Part Of: Global challenges. Volume 5:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-09-05
• Subjects: chloroperene rubber -- oil/water separation -- reduced graphene oxide -- superhydrophobic rock wool; Climatic changes -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202100072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2056-6646

Abstract

Abstract: The leakage of industrial oil and organic wastewater discharge has caused serious damage to the natural environment and ecology. Therefore, implementation of a low‐cost and high‐performance adsorbent material is of great significant. This work reports the preparation of superhydrophobic rock wool (RW) for efficient clean‐up of oil and organic solvents. The modified RW is prepared by coating a commercial RW with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets under hydrothermal treatment. To improve the adhesion between the RGO nanosheets and RW, a film of chloroperene rubber is deposited on the RW surface followed by modification with RGO. The modified RW possesses superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity with a water contact angle of 152.4°, and it is used for separation of oil–water mixture. The modified RW exhibits excellent mechanical elasticity and durability when compared with commercial one, and the adsorbed oils are recycled by simple squeezing. Its oil adsorption capacities are maintained above 95%, after several compression cycles. Importantly, the modified RW exhibits excellent photothermal properties which are beneficial for the separation of high‐viscosity oils. Owing to low costs, versatility, and scalability in production, the modified RW can be regarded as a suitable choice for large‐scale oil/water separation. Abstract : Modified rock wool (RW) is prepared using low cost materials such as reduced graphene oxide and polychloroperene (CR). Addition of CR into the porous structure of RW improves roughness, flexibility, and durability. The modified RW has excellent photothermal properties which is beneficial for the separation of high‐viscosity oils under natural sunlight.