Inorganic-Organic Thiol-ene Coated Mesh for Oil/Water Separation

A highly efficient mesh for oil/water separation was fabricated by using a superhydrophobic and superoleophilic coating of thiol-ene hybrid, consisting of pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP), 2,4,6,8-tetramethyl-2,4,6,8-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane (TMTVSi), and hydrophobic fumed silica nanoparticles, via a simple two-step fabrication process. Spray deposition and UV curing photo-polymerization were sequentially performed, during which solvent evaporation provides microscale roughness while nanoparticle aggregation forms nanoscale roughness. The hierarchical morphologies were stabilized after UV curing photopolymerization. High contact angle (>150 degrees) and low roll-off angle (<5 degrees) were achieved due to the multiscale roughness structure of the hierarchical morphologies. These coatings also have excellent chemical resistance, as well as temperature and pH stability, after curing.