Hierarchical Ni-Mn LDHs@CuC₂O₄ Nanosheet Arrays-Modified Copper Mesh: A Dual-Functional Material for Enhancing Oil/Water Separation and Supercapacitors

Authors

Yue Wu, Sichuan University
Guangyuan Lu, Sichuan University
Ping Xu, Sichuan University
Tian Zhang, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow
Huaqiang He, Sichuan University
Shaojun Yuan, Sichuan University

Date of this Version

9-14-2023

Citation

Wu, Y.; Lu, G.; Xu, P.; Zhang, T.C.; He, H.; Yuan, S. Hierarchical Ni-Mn LDHs@CuC2O4 Nanosheet Arrays-Modified Copper Mesh: A Dual-Functional Material for Enhancing Oil/Water Separation and Supercapacitors. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24, 14085. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ijms241814085

Comments

Open access.

Abstract

The pursuit of superhydrophilic materials with hierarchical structures has garnered significant attention across diverse application domains. In this study, we have successfully crafted Ni-Mn LDHs@CuC₂O₄ nanosheet arrays on a copper mesh (CM) through a synergistic process involving chemical oxidation and hydrothermal deposition. Initially, CuC₂O₄ nanosheets were synthesized on the copper mesh, closely followed by the growth of Ni-Mn LDHs nanosheets, culminating in the establishment of a multi-tiered surface architecture with exceptional superhydrophilicity and remarkable underwater superoleophobicity. The resultant Ni-Mn LDHs@CuC₂O₄ CM membrane showcased an unparalleled amalgamation of traits, including superhydrophilicity, underwater superoleophobicity, and the ability to harness photocatalytic forces for self-cleaning actions, making it an advanced oil-water separation membrane. The membrane’s performance was impressive, manifesting in a remarkable water flux range (70 kL•m^-2•h^-1) and an efficient oil separation capability for both oil/water mixture and surfactant-stabilized emulsions (below 60 ppm). Moreover, the innate superhydrophilic characteristics of the membrane rendered it a prime candidate for deployment as a supercapacitor cathode material. Evidenced by a capacitance of 5080 mF•cm^-2 at a current density of 6 mA cm^-2 in a 6MKOH electrolyte, the membrane’s potential extended beyond oil-water separation. This work not only introduces a cutting-edge oil-water separation membrane and supercapacitor electrode but also offers a promising blueprint for the deliberate engineering of hierarchical structure arrays to cater to a spectrum of related applications.