Highly compression-tolerant and durably hydrophobic macroporous silicone sponges synthesized by a one-pot click reaction for rapid oil/water separation

We first report a novel and simple method for the synthesis of macroporous silicone sponges via a one-pot thiol-ene click reaction at -10 degrees C. The successful synthesis was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The sponge has high porosity, low density, durable and high hydrophobicity, super-oleophilicity, good thermal insulation, and excellent compressibility (11.01 MPa at 93% strain, superior to those of all the previously reported silicone sponges) in addition to the conventional advantages of silicone such as non-flammability, excellent stability, and non-toxicity. The morphology, pore size, density, and compression properties of the sponge are also controllable by adjusting the synthesis conditions. Furthermore, the sponge could be used for rapid oil/water separation with good absorption ability, excellent reusability and separation efficiency (>99%).