Foamed materials for oil-water separation

Abstract Foamed materials are honeycomb-shaped structures bearing porous networks which exhibit considerable compressive strengths, and excellent efficiency for oil-water separation. The presence of spilled oils solvents in wastewater intensifies with accumulation over the time later creating toxicity to environment. ever growing industrial demands precede contamination water sources make it difficult its eradication. scientific community has spearheaded research towards exhibiting high oil/-solvent absorption capacity, compression strength, recycling ability effective removal accumulated spilt from wastewater. Recently, foamed have gained wide focus recovery due capacity rendered by 3D structure present foams. Carbon-based lightweight (density = 0.2–0.8 g/cm3) foam strength 20 MPa, porosity 93%, hydrophobicity (water contact angle = 149o), been reported separation application. In this sense, review provides an in-depth study on various foams capable removing oil/solvents their mechanism, toxic effects environment, factors affecting oil/solvent performance foams, recovery.