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MXene/Cuttlefish-Ink Nanoparticles Incorporated Dual-Purification Sponge for Solar-Driven Oily Wastewater and Microplastic Remediation
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A composite polyurethane sponge incorporating MXene and cuttlefish-ink nanoparticles was developed for solar-driven simultaneous removal of microplastics and oily wastewater. The multifunctional, recyclable material achieved efficient purification under sunlight, addressing the co-occurring problems of microplastic and oily water pollution.
The escalating severity of microplastic pollution and oily wastewater discharge has intensified the demand for recyclable, multifunctional, and environmentally benign materials. In this study, we present a composite polyurethane (PU) sponge constructed through the synergistic integration of cuttlefish-ink nanoparticles (CINPs), Ti3C2TX MXene, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The synergistic CINP@MXene framework imparts high photothermal conversion efficiency and structural stability, while the PDMS coating confers superhydrophobicity. The resulting sponge demonstrates efficient oil absorption and oil-water separation capabilities, alongside a stable photothermal response, achieving a temperature of 84.1 °C within 10 s under 1.5 Sun irradiation. Notably, the sponge absorbed approximately 0.05 g of crude oil within 10 s, the saturated absorption capacity of crude oil under 1.5 solar days was 24.52 g/g, and the adsorption rate of 5 g crude oil within 4 min was 91.4%. Furthermore, it exhibits remarkable adsorption performance toward common microplastics and nanoplastics. Overall, the CINPs@MXene/PU/PDMS sponge represents a versatile and scalable platform with significant potential for addressing challenges in oily wastewater treatment, solar-assisted oil recovery, and microplastic remediation, thereby contributing to sustainable environmental protection efforts.
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Solar-driven superhydrophobic modified polyurethane sponge for rapid in-situ recovery of oil and microplastics in marine oil spill co-contamination
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Researchers developed an ultralight superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge modified with polydopamine, MoS₂, and a silane compound that can adsorb 36–85 times its weight in oil and simultaneously capture microplastics from marine environments, with solar-driven photothermal heating accelerating oil recovery.
Bi4Ti3O12/MXene/chitin composite sponge for enhanced photocatalytic adsorption of polystyrene microplastics.
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Researchers created a sponge material made from chitin, MXene and Bi4Ti3O12 to remove polystyrene microplastics from water in lab tests. Under light exposure, the sponge removed about 78% of the microplastics over 8 hours, working through a combination of physical adsorption and light-triggered chemical reactions that altered the plastic's surface.
Constructing a Nonfluorinated, Durable, and PhotothermalSuperhydrophobic Polyurethane Sponge by Utilizing a Dual-Layer Designof Acetylene Black and Lignin Microparticles for Multifunctional Applications
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Scientists created a sponge that repels water but soaks up oil, using safer, fluorine-free materials instead of the "forever chemicals" often used in similar products. Beyond cleaning up oil spills, this sponge can also absorb five common types of microplastics from water, offering a promising tool for tackling both oil pollution and plastic contamination without relying on chemicals linked to health concerns.
Constructing a Nonfluorinated, Durable, and PhotothermalSuperhydrophobic Polyurethane Sponge by Utilizing a Dual-Layer Designof Acetylene Black and Lignin Microparticles for Multifunctional Applications
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Scientists created a sponge-like material that can soak up oil spills, clean up water pollution, and even capture tiny plastic particles (microplastics) from water—all without using the harmful "forever chemicals" (fluorine compounds) typically found in water-repellent products. This matters because microplastics are increasingly found in our water supplies and bodies, and this sponge offers a safer, more durable way to filter them out while also tackling oil pollution, using sunlight to boost its cleaning power.
Engineering green MOF-based superhydrophobic sponge for efficiently synchronous removal of microplastics and pesticides from high-salinity water
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Engineers developed a special sponge coated with a metal-organic framework that can simultaneously remove both microplastics and pesticides from salty water. The sponge repels water but captures plastic particles and breaks down pesticides using light-activated chemical reactions, and it can be reused multiple times. This technology could help clean up coastal and agricultural water sources where microplastics and chemical pollutants coexist, reducing human exposure through drinking water and seafood.
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