Adsorption based materials play a rather important prospect in the treatment of petroleum. Currently, most of the adsorbent materials work based on substrates such as sponges and aerogels, to endow super-hydrophobic/super-oleophilic properties on the membrane surface. As the adsorbent material reaches the end of its useful life, it undoubtedly further exacerbates the burden on the environment from an environmental protection perspective. Here, we modified the recycled discarded air filter with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH-550), TiO2, SiO2, and Ag. The results showed that the prepared PDMS-1 (TiO2/SiO2/Ag)@ discard air filter has excellent super-hydrophobicity and enhanced antibacterial properties, and possesses mechanical durability and chemical stability. The modified discarded air filter had an absorption capacity of up to 23.2 g/g of carbon tetrachloride. This research provides a new oil-absorbent substrate with a secondary use strategy to reduce environmental damage. Ultimately, it exhibits excellent performance almost indistinguishable from other adsorbent materials.Graphical Abstract:
Highlights: A facile method was developed to prepare superhydrophobic TiO2/SiO2/Ag nanoparticle coating.The superhydrophobic discard air filters were fabricated by simple dip coating method.The contact angle of water on the superhydrophobic surface is more than 154°.Impressive antibacterial activities and resistance to both acid and alkali.