One-step modification of PU sponges for selective absorption of oil–water mixtures

A porous PDMS–PU sponge with excellent wettability was employed in this investigation for the fast absorption of oils and organic solvents. In this study, a robust superhydrophobic sponge was based on a simple dipping–coating method and HCl corrosion. The as-prepared PDMS–PU sponge possesses the advantages of convenient adsorbent collection and good recyclability. By combining the special wettability and high roughness, the sponges exhibited high absorption capacity and selectivity when used as absorptive materials for separate oil–water mixtures. Thus, these sponges show great potential for the large-scale removal of organic contaminants or oil spills from water.