Magnetically driven superhydrophobic/superoleophilic graphene-based polyurethane sponge for highly efficient oil/water separation and demulsification

Cost-effective and efficient sorbents with emulsion-breaking capability, especially surfactant-stabilized emulsions, are required to remediate oil spills from water. Herein, in situ growth of magnetic Mn0.01Co0.90Fe3O4 (MCFO) nanoparticles (NPs) on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) was performed prepare MCFO/RGO nanocomposite via a simple solvothermal method. The coated onto polyurethane (PU) sponge fabricate novel magnetic, superhydrophobic/superoleophilic flame-retardant material. prepared MCFO/RGO/PU superhydrophobic contact angle 165 ± 1°. Compared neat PU, the could be driven by magnet for collection More importantly, effectively collect droplets surfactant-free stabilized toluene/water emulsions. In addition, fabricated exhibited excellent performance oils organic solvents sorption, achieving up 131 times its own weight retaining ability even after 10 sorption cycles. Interestingly, thermal stability fire retardancy PU were improved respect PU.