This study introduces a feasible approach for producing a functional nonwoven from carbon fiber waste and demonstrates its excellent performance in oil-water separation. Carbon fiber scraps were recycled into a nonwoven product through conventional textile processing methods of carding and needle-punching, followed by surface modification with fluorine-free coatings containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and zeolite imidazole framework-8 (ZIF-8) particles. The capacity of PDMS/ZIF-8 coating to impart superhydrophobic-superoleophilic properties to the developed nonwoven was investigated, particularly for organic solvents/oils absorption, and oil-water separation. Different characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to characterize the synthesized ZIF-8 particles and developed coatings. The results showed that the application of PDMS initially increased the water contact angle, but its excess amount lowered the superhydrophobicity and absorption capacity of coated nonwovens. The presence of ZIF-8 particles boosted the superhydrophobicity and absorption capacity where the sample coated with PDMS/ZIF-8 exhibited superior superhydrophobicity having a water contact angle of 153.5°. The PDMS/ZIF-8 coated nonwoven displayed a highly efficient gravity-driven and continuous oil-water separation performance. This research presents a sustainable approach to the development of a multifunctional carbon fiber nonwoven with excellent oil-water separation capability from waste materials.

本研究介绍了一种利用碳纤维废料生产功能性无纺布的可行方法，并展示了其在油水分离方面的优异性能。碳纤维废料通过梳理和针刺等常规纺织加工方法回收成无纺布产品，然后用含有聚二甲基硅氧烷 (PDMS) 和沸石咪唑骨架-8 (ZIF-8) 颗粒的无氟涂层进行表面改性。研究了 PDMS/ZIF-8 涂层赋予开发的非织造布超疏水-超亲油性能的能力，特别是在有机溶剂/油吸收和油水分离方面。不同的表征技术，包括扫描电子显微镜 (SEM)、X 射线衍射 (XRD)、BET 表面积、X 射线光电子能谱 (XPS)、和热重分析 (TGA) 用于表征合成的 ZIF-8 颗粒和开发的涂层。结果表明，PDMS的应用最初增加了水接触角，但其过量降低了涂层非织造布的超疏水性和吸收能力。ZIF-8 颗粒的存在提高了超疏水性和吸收能力，其中涂有 PDMS/ZIF-8 的样品表现出优异的超疏水性，水接触角为 153.5°。PDMS/ZIF-8 涂层无纺布显示出高效的重力驱动和连续油水分离性能。这项研究为开发多功能碳纤维无纺布提供了一种可持续的方法，该无纺布具有从废料中分离出优异的油水分离能力。