Integrated oil separation and water purification by a double-layer TiO₂-based mesh

We report a simple and inexpensive method for fabricating double-layer TiO₂-based mesh. The upper layer is a TiO₂ coated mesh film with micro- and nano-structures, while the lower is the same TiO₂ mesh film but modified with ODP (octadecyl phosphonic acid) to impart its superhydrophobic and superoleophilic properties. Such a mesh can be successfully used for the separation of insoluble oil from water due to its special wettability, as well as the degradation of soluble pollutants in water under UV light because of the photocatalytic abilities of TiO₂, making it a promising candidate for water purification.