Bio-inspired writable multifunctional recycled paper with outer and inner uniform superhydrophobicity

Abstract

The papermaking industry always causes many disastrous problems to humans, such as energy consumption, environmental pollution and destruction to the ecosystem. However, paper is not only one kind of life's necessities but also a necessity of the office. But the service life of paper is reduced easily because of the invasion of water. Here we creatively prepared one kind of multifunctional inner and outer uniform-superhydrophobic paper by the secondary use of waste paper inspired by nature and traditional papermaking knowledge, which not only has a great water proof ability for various liquids, but also has wonderful self-cleaning, anti-fouling and oil absorption abilities. It is worth mentioning that superhydrophobic recycled paper still has good writability, suppleness, foldability and tailorability to meet our daily needs. Unique outer and inner uniform-superhydrophobicity make this paper able to tolerate any degree of abrasion. This groundbreaking work will not only avoid harm by the water invasion and expand the usable range of paper, but also it will ease the energy and environment crisis.