Superwetting Cu2O/MnO2 anchored copper mesh for efficient oil/water separation and photocatalytic purification of hazardous organic pollutants

Abstract

Membrane separation technology utilizing superwetting materials has emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of oily wastewater, owing to its low energy consumption and straightforward operational processes. However, the limited efficacy in removing water-soluble refractory organic pollutants necessitates the development of multifunctional materials to effectively address the complexities inherent in oily wastewater systems. In this study, Cu₂O/MnO₂ heterostructures were synthesized on copper mesh substrates through a combined hydrothermal and impregnation technique. The resulting composite material demonstrated exceptional separation efficiency, durability, and high throughput across various oil/water mixtures. Furthermore, it exhibited significant catalytic activity in degrading water-soluble organic contaminants, such as tetracycline antibiotics and common dyes. Density functional theory calculations indicated that the Cu₂O/MnO₂ heterostructure possesses a narrower band gap compared to the parent structure, thereby enhancing the generation and separation of photogenerated charge carriers. This work not only presents a viable strategy for fabricating bimetallic oxide heterostructures but also introduces a novel concept for the design of multifunctional materials aimed at efficient oil/water separation.