Fabrication of compressible and underwater superoleophobic carbon/g-C3N4 aerogel for wastewater purification

Abstract To realize simultaneous removal of oils and water-miscible dyes from emulsions, a versatile carbon/graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) aerogel with high compressibility and underwater superoleophobicity was fabricated by in situ pyrolysis of urea on the surfaces of cotton fibers. The surfaces were densely covered with a layer of g-C3N4 nanoparticles, leading to the aerogel with underwater superoleophobicity towards oils and organic solvents. The aerogel can be applied for wastewater purification with high flux and removal efficiency only driven by gravity. Various emulsions, dye wastewaters, and even their mixtures can be effectively purified by the aerogel with excellent recyclability. The prepared carbon/g-C3N4 aerogel is believed to have great potential for practical wastewater purification.