Graphene/polyester staple composite for the removal of oils and organic solvents

Spongy graphene has been widely applied in oil removal. However, spongy graphene is hardly applicable for crude oil removal, because the complexity and high viscosity of crude oil. Herein, we reported that graphene/polyester staple composite (GPSC) could be used for the removal of oils and organic solvents, in particular crude oil. Graphene oxide was in situ reduced in the presence of polyester staple by hydrazine hydrate to form GPSC. GPSC efficiently adsorbed oils and organic solvents with high adsorption capacities. Demonstrations of treating pure oils and those in simulated sea water by GPSC were successfully performed. Due to the loose structure, GPSC adsorbed crude oil quickly with an adsorption capacity of 52 g g⁻¹. During the regeneration, the adsorption capacity of GPSC retained around 78% of the initial capacity up to 9 cycles. The implication to the applications of GPSC in water remediation is discussed. (paper)