Robust MXene-based superhydrophobic fabrics for efficient separation of high-viscosity lubricating oil/water emulsions

Abstract

Deteriorated lubricating oil poses separation challenges due to its high viscosity. To address this issue, this paper introduces a superhydrophobic cotton fabric prepared via a one-pot method using PDA/MXene/SiO₂. The incorporation of PDA and MXene endows this fabric with superior photothermal properties, leading to its exceptional performance in reducing lubricating oil viscosity by 62.97%. This remarkable viscosity reduction enables the fabric to excel in separating high-viscosity emulsions, achieving a separation efficiency of up to 98%. The superhydrophobic fabric exhibits an adsorption capacity of 3.03 g g⁻¹. Regarding stability, the fabric maintains its superhydrophobic state even after being soaked in acid (pH = 2 for 12 hours) and alkali (pH = 12 for 4 hours), and subjected to ethanol ultrasonication (12 hours) and mechanical abrasion (60 cycles). Furthermore, TiO₂, the oxidized product of MXene, can facilitate the restoration of the superhydrophobic state by adsorbing atmospheric pollutants such as carbon.