Hydrophobic
Modification on Surface of Chitin Sponges for Highly Effective Separation
of Oil
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Abstract
A highly hydrophobic and oleophilic
chitin sponge was synthesized, for the first time, via a freeze-dried
method and then by using a thermal chemical vapor deposition of methyltrichlorosilane
(MTCS) at different relative humidity. Fourier-transform infrared,
energy-dispersive X-ray spectra, and scanning electron microscopy
confirmed that the silanization occurred on the pore wall surface
of the chitin sponge. The MTCS-coated chitin sponge had interconnected
open-cell structures with the average pore size from 20 to 50 μm,
and the MTCS nanofilaments immobilized on the chitin matrix, leading
to the high hydrophobicity, as a result of the existence of a solid/air
composite rough surface. Cyclic compression test indicated that the
hydrophobic chitin sponges exhibited excellent elasticity and high
mechanical durability. The sponges could efficiently collect organics
both on the surface and bottom from the water with the highest 58
times of their own weight absorption capacities through the combination
of the particular wettability and great porosity. Furthermore, the
biodegradation kinetics of the chitin sponge forecasted that the chitin
could be completely biodegraded within 32 days by the microorganisms
in the soil. This work provided a new pathway to prepare the chitin-based
materials for highly effective removal of oil from water, showing
potential application in the pollutant remediation field