A smart nano-V2O5/ODA-coated mesh for a co-responsive photo-induced wettability transition and ROS generation for in situ water purification

Abstract

A co-responsive material is successfully fabricated by coating nano-vanadium pentoxide/octadecylamine (nano-V₂O₅/ODA) onto a copper mesh via a hydrothermal reaction. “Co-response” means that a material can realize a multi-performance transition under one environmental stimulus. Nano-V₂O₅ provides the material with a photo-induced wettability transition and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation properties, while ODA produces a superhydrophobic material in its initial state. As a result, this material can achieve a reversible superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic transition under 254 nm ultraviolet (UV) light. By combining the wettability transition with ROS generation properties, a smart mesh can realize in situ photo-controlled water purification, i.e., the controllable and simultaneous removal of the oil and soluble contaminants. An extra V₂O₅-coated mesh is used as an auxiliary mesh to improve the oil removal and ROS generation efficiencies. Moreover, the mesh exhibits satisfactory reusability and physical/chemical stability, which is more promising for practical applications such as remote controlled water purification, timed discharge of sewage and microfluidic valves.