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ABSTRACT The current preparation of biomass‐based hydrophobic absorbents still relies excessively on the use of fluorinated hydrophobic substances, which poses a risk of environmental pollution. This study aims to develop a sustainable and nonfluorinated method for fabricating biomass‐based hydrophobic absorbents with enhanced recyclability and multifunctional surface properties. The chemical vapor deposition method based on nonfluorinated methyltrichlorosilane is used for the in situ growth of polysiloxane nanofilaments on the surface of Tong Cao (TC), resulting in the development of a TC‐based hydrophobic absorbent. Upon organosilane modification, modified TC shows good hydrophobicity with a water contact angle of 93° and can be used to remove organic solvents from water. The absorption capacity of modified TC for different organic solvents is from 3.1 to 6.5 g/g. The percentage of retained absorption capacity of modified TC still remains at 98% after 10 consecutive uses, demonstrating a good recyclability. Modified TC also holds high organic solvents retention capacity as well as good self‐cleaning and anti‐fouling ability. These results indicate that modified TC with hydrophobicity and recyclability has potential for practical oily wastewater treatment.
Tao Liu (Tue,) studied this question.