Hydrophobic polyoxometalate-MOF-808 composite for oil absorption

Abstract

Oil spills pose adverse impact on human health and marine ecosystems, necessitating the development of efficient and sustainable cleanup solutions. Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs), as advanced porous materials, have gained significant interest because of their intriguing characteristics like functional versatility, large surface area, and adjustable porosity. Herein, we introduce a hybrid material by incorporating Polyoxometalates (POMs) into MOF-808 via a solvothermal reaction, enhancing its hydrophobicity, stability, and oil absorption capacity. The hybrid material was fabricated onto a cost-effective, widely available, and porous polyurethane (PU) sponge substrate using a simple dip-coating and drying method. The resulting hydrophobic PU@POMOF@PA composite sponge demonstrated an impressive oil absorption capacity of 58.6 gg⁻¹ for vegetable oil at room temperature, and a water contact angle of 132.1°. The composite sponge efficiently separated various oils and organic solvents from water, even under challenging conditions such as high ionic strengths. Remarkably, the composite maintained its performance over 25 recycling cycles, underscoring its durability and reusability. Comprehensive characterization techniques confirmed the material’s structural integrity and enhanced properties. This study highlights a cutting-edge approach to oil spill cleanup, showcasing a scalable and practical solution to mitigate environmental damage while advancing sustainable materials development.