Preparation of a new superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber used as an oil absorbent for selective absorption of oil from water

Background: Oil leakages frequently occur during oil product development and oil transportation. These incidents are a vital factor in water contamination, thus leading to serious environmental destruction. Therefore, superhydrophobic/superoleophilic material is one of the solutions to treat oily wastewater. Results: This study aimed to develop a simple, fast and low-cost method to treat oily wastewater by synthesizing a new superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber via conventional impregnation. The corresponding results illustrate that abundant homogeneous silica (SiO2) granules evenly accreted on the surface of the prepared fiber were conducive to high surface roughness. Meanwhile, (Heptadecafluoro-1,1,2,2-tetradecyl) trimethoxysilane, a sort of silane coupling agent, could greatly reduce surface free energy by grafting with SiO2 particles on the corn straw fiber surface. The obtained superhydrophobic/superoleophilic corn straw fiber exhibited a water contact angle of 152 degrees and an oil contact angle of 0 degrees for various oils, strongly demonstrating its considerable application as an oil absorbent that can be applied for oil cleanup. In addition, the prepared fiber displayed a great chemical stability and environmental durability. Conclusions: Due to its high absorption capacity and absorption efficiency, the prepared fiber has great potential as a new oil absorbent for treatment of oily water.