One-Step Fabrication of the Pure-Silica Zeolite Beta Coating on Stainless Steel Mesh for Efficient Oil/Water Separation

Superhydrophobic materials have drawn extensive attention to oil/water separation. A robust and environmentally friendly pure-silica zeolite beta (PSZB) was coated on stainless steel mesh (SSM) by a secondary seeded method. The zeolite beta seed layer on the SSM surface was fabricated with the help of polydopamine (PDA) as a linking agent. The as-synthesized PSZB-coated SSM possessed both superhydrophobic and superoleophilic characteristics. Strong adhesion between the PSZB coating and the SSM was checked by using a tape-peeling test and ultrasonic treatment, and the PSZB coating could be kept stable in corrosive media. The PSZB-coated SSM was applied to the separation of various oil/water mixtures. The high efficiency of over 97.5% could maintain after 90 separation cycles. The synthesized PSZB-coated SSM with superhydrophobic nature would be a promising alternative material for oil/water separation.