Reusable cucurbit[6]uril-loaded poly(urethane) sponges for oily waters treatment

Abstract

This paper presents the preparation and the absorption characteristics of cucurbit[6]uril/poly(urethane) sponges towards petroleum, diesel and soy bean oils over fresh and seawater. These sponges are able to absorb more than 3 times their weight in oil in less than 20 minutes. Furthermore, they are reusable and the oil they absorb may be recovered quantitatively for more than ten times, using mechanical pressure. This feature increases their absorption capacity to more than 30 times in weight at least.