Macroporous silicon oxycarbide fibers with luffa-like superhydrophobic shells.

High-surface-area silicon oxycarbide macroporous fibers were fabricated through in situ cross-linking of a preceramic precursor without a prepatterned template. The unique luffa-like shell combined with intrinsic silicon-containing groups accounts for the resultant superhydrophobic property. Meanwhile, the oil-uptake capacity of the corresponding fiber mat is significantly improved by the capsulated nanoparticles.