Synthesis of Superhydrophobic Stainless Steel Mesh Modified by Polymer, Silica and Candle Soot Nanoparticles

Abstract: Carbon-based materials like graphene and activated-carbon are known for their superior adsorption capabilities in waste-water treatment. Candle soot coated stainless steel mesh (CS-SSM) was fabricated and studied as an adsorbent for the adsorption of oil, organic solvents and detergent from the aqueous solution. CS-SSM was hydrophobic and oleophilic in nature and can be used for oil-water separation. A rectangular piece of CS-SSM was able to adsorb 90% of oil from its 50 ml of an aqueous solution. A significant amount of detergent was also removed efficiently. Kinetic study of adsorption of oil on CS-SSM suggests pseudo-second order is the best fit to adsorption kinetic data. Adsorption isotherm study suggests that Langmuir isotherm is a better fit to adsorption equilibrium data for oil. CS-SSM was found recyclable as it can desorb the oil in water media after adsorption. It shows 88% of recycling efficiency even after 6 cycles of adsorption. CS-SSM can be an effective, low-cost, recyclable adsorbent for removal of various organic contaminants.