Polypyrrole Nanotube-Derived Carbon Aerogels as Efficient and Recyclable Oil Absorbents.

Polypyrrole nanotube-derived carbon aerogels with three-dimensional networks have been prepared via freeze-drying and pyrolysis method using polypyrrole nanotubes as precursors. The resulting carbon nanotube aerogels display ultra-low density, fairly high mechanical properties, water repellency, superoleophilicity, high absorption capacity and fast absorption rate of oil and organic solvents. Its absorption capacity can reach in the range from 140 to 600 times of its own weight for the utilized common oil and organic solvents. Furthermore, the carbon nanotube aerogels demonstrate outstanding recyclability by distill or direct combustion in air because of their excellent hydrophobicity and fire-resistant properties. Significantly, the carbon nanotube aerogels maintain 82.2% absorption capacity after 100 absorption/combustion cycles. Our results suggest that the polypyrrole nanotube-derived carbon aerogels are suitable absorbents for a wide range of applications in water environment protection.