β‐Cyclodextrin Cross‐Linked Superoleophilic and Under‐Oil Superhydrophobic Polyacrylate Gel Coating for Oil and Water Separation

ABSTRACT Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides composed of varying numbers of glucose units, featuring multiple active hydroxyl groups on their surfaces that can be easily functionalized for a wide range of applications, including in the pharmaceutical, food, and chemical industries. In this study, cyclodextrin acrylate (CDA) was synthesized by substituting the hydroxyl groups on β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) with acryloyl groups. A polyacrylate organogel (PAO) was then prepared via copolymerization, using CDA as a crosslinking agent and methyl methacrylate (MMA) and lauryl methacrylate (LMA) as comonomers. The resulting organogel exhibited strong absorption capacity for a range of organic solvents, such as toluene, methylene chloride, and chloroform. When coated onto polypropylene non‐woven fabric, the PAO formed an oil–water separation membrane with superoleophilic and under‐oil superhydrophobic properties. This membrane demonstrated excellent separation performance for oil–water mixtures, achieving separation efficiencies up to 99% under gravity‐driven conditions. Repeated separation tests with various light and heavy oil–water mixtures further confirmed the membrane's high efficiency and reusability for practical applications.