Stainless steel mesh coated with silica for oil–water separation

• Using silica particles to modify the stainless steel mesh was the first time.
• Stainless steel mesh was modified for the oil–water separation application.
• Modified stainless steel mesh has highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic properties.
• Oil could penetrate the modified stainless steel mesh rapidly just by the force of its gravity.

Stainless steel mesh with its high compressive strength, anti-chemical erosion and not readily stained with water properties has been used in the application of oil–water separation. This study describes a facile method for fabricating both highly hydrophobic and superoleophilic meshes by coating silica particles. After the modification of silica particles, the stainless steel mesh became more hydrophobic and oleophilic. The water contact angle on the modified mesh was up to 135.3°, while the oil droplets could penetrate the mesh rapidly. The modified meshes could separate oil from water effectively without depending on any extra power or chemical agent. It could be a good potential candidate in the employment of oil–water separation.

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