Eco-Friendly Low-Cost Design of Superhydrophobic Cu Mesh for Efficient Oil–Water Separation

Promising network materials with controllable porosity and tunable structures have demonstrated numerous advantages in oil–water separation applications. However, existing preparation methods generally have problems such as complex processes and adverse environmental impacts. Therefore, inspired by lotus leaves and rose petals, we have successfully designed an efficient oil–water separator based on copper meshes using in situ chemical etching, environmentally friendly fatty acid modification, and mild microwave curing treatment. Characterization results from FESEM, EDX, and XRD demonstrate that the product has high purity and a relatively uniform structure. In addition, this efficient oil–water separator has low surface energy, high hydrophobicity, and excellent oil–water separation efficiency (>98%). Moreover, after aging tests, the product has excellent structural stability and repeatable recyclability. Therefore, this research provides a convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly approach for designing feasible superhydrophobic metal mesh-based devices, highlighting their wide application potential in treating industrial oily wastewater.