A novel superhydrophilic–underwater superoleophobic Zn-ZnO electrodeposited copper mesh for efficient oil/water separation

Based on electrodeposition of Zn/ZnO crystal on copper mesh, a highly efficient oil–water separation device was fabricated through a facile one-step method. The electrodeposition process was optimized by varying the applied voltage and duration. The novel all-inorganic membrane exhibited superhydrophilicity in air and underwater low-adhesive superoleophobicity. The separation efficiencies of all tested oil/water mixtures are more than 99.0% and the intrusion pressures for all tested oils that the mesh can support are above 1.5 kPa. More importantly, the mesh can be applicable for corrosive solutions including acid, alkali and brine. The separation performances of the mesh showed no obvious variation after being reused for 50 times, demonstrating its excellent reusability and stability. The good durability and the anti-corrosive property could allow the separation device to be employed in cleanup of complex industrial oily wastewater and treatment of oil spills.