Multilayer Three-Dimensional Structure Made of Modified Stainless Steel Mesh for in Situ Continuous Separation of Spilled Oil

A multilayer three-dimensional (3D) structure made of hydrophobic stainless steel mesh has been designed for in situ continuous oil/water separation. The hydrophobic stainless steel mesh was prepared via a facile and environmental friendly method by etching with FeCl₃ solution and coating with n-octadecylthiol. The as-prepared mesh allows oils (gasoline, diesel oil, engine oil) and organic solvents (hexane, liquid paraffin) to pass through and repels water. A separation device equipped with the multilayer 3D structure can continuously separate the aforementioned oils from oil–water mixtures. The separation efficiency of continuous separation is more than 99.0 wt % and shows little decrease after 10 cycles.