A Fluorine-Free Superhydrophobic Cotton Fabric Prepared by a Green and Energy-Saving Method Is Used for Long-Lasting and Efficient Oil–Water Separation

Oil pollution poses a major threat to the ecosystem. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a material that can separate oil and water efficiently. Fabrics have a wide range of applications due to their economic simplicity and degradability. However, the existing methods of preparing superhydrophobic fabrics are complicated and energy-consuming, which are difficult to meet the concept of green and sustainable development. Moreover, various modified fabrics are less stable in harsh environments and do not have the ability to efficiently separate oil and water over a long period of time. In this paper, superhydrophobic zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) obtained from the modification of stearic acid was loaded onto the fabric surface using the adhesive properties of PDMS, resulting in the preparation of superhydrophobic/superoleophilic STA-ZrO₂ fabrics. The fabric is made without involving time-consuming and energy-consuming heating, and it offers efficient oil-water separation, good stability and excellent recyclability. Truly in line with the concept of sustainable development.