NiCo2O4 hierarchical structure coated mesh with long-term stable underwater superoleophobicity for high-efficient, high-flux oil-water separation

NiCo2O4 structure coated stainless steel mesh has been successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal-calcination method. The combination of the hierarchical NiCo2O4 structure and high hydrophilicity contributed to the superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic mesh. The NiCo(2)O(4 )coated mesh could be used to separate various oil-water mixtures with a efficiency exceeding 99.9% and a water flux above 11,600 L.m(-2).h(-1). Furthermore, the NiCo2O4 coated mesh shows good mechanical durability, chemical stability under weak acid, base and simulated seawater solution and long-term storage stability in ambient atmosphere. Given high separation efficiency and flux, excellent stability and simple fabrication process, the NiCo2O4 coated mesh is promising in the field of oily sewage treatment.