Electrodeposited polymer films with both superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity

Abstract

Electrodeposited films of poly(ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) present a rough morphology and are wettable by water and oil. The covalent binding of low free energy fluorinated chains on the monomer before polymerization lowers the surface energy of the electroformed polymers sufficiently to give rise to superhydrophobic behaviour while conserving superoleophilicity. It holds the promise of an interesting candidate for the separation of water and oil.