Bionic Lotus‐Leaf‐Inspired Superhydrophobic Nanostructure for High‐Performance Pharmaceutical Organic Adsorption

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Authors: Zuo-Jia Li, Jing-Xuan Chen, Qin-Yu Fan, Jia-Jian Yang, Xing-Fang Yu, Yuan-Fang Li, Xin Zeng, Jing-Wen Zhang, YUN-XIU ZHANG, Qiu-Xiang Liang, Hua Zeng
Cited by: 1
References: 21

Abstract

A bionic superhydrophobic method was conducted by combining hydrophobic modification of three‐dimensional (3D) and two‐dimensional (2D) materials with surface nanostructure regulation. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐modified nanosilica (SiO 2 ) was utilized with heteroatom‐functionalized aminosilane (KH550) as a key coupling agent to prepare a uniformly dispersed PDMS/SiO 2 composite solution, which was then coated onto 3D polyurethane (PU) foam and 2D cellulose membranes (CF) to mimic the “lotus leaf” micro–nano papillary structure. A homogeneous nanoscale rough surface was achieved on the modified material, with a water contact angle of 152.3° and an oil contact angle approaching 0°, demonstrating exceptional superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity. Separation experiments indicated selective adsorption of organic solvents typical in pharmaceutical processes, with a dichloromethane adsorption capacity of 21.07 g/g. After 10 adsorption‐squeezing cycles, the material retained over 85% of its initial adsorption capacity, highlighting its durability. This study provides a cost‐effective and environmentally friendly approach for developing high‐efficiency materials for the removal and recovery of organic solvents from aqueous streams in pharmaceutical manufacturing and wastewater treatment.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity Adsorption and biosorption for pollutant removal Hydrogels: synthesis properties applications

Publication details

Journal / source
Heteroatom Chemistry
Publisher
Wiley
Volume
2026
Issue
1
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN