Peanut leaf-inspired hybrid metal-organic framework with humidity-responsive wettability: toward controllable separation of diverse emulsions

Damage to the responsive superwetting material by external stimuli during the responsive process has been a ticklish question in recent years. We overcome this barrier by imitating a peanut leaf and designing a humidity-responsive MIL-100 (Fe)/octadecylamine-coated stainless steel mesh (HR-MOS). Such a material shows superhydrophilicity when ambient humidity is higher than saturated humidity, while it shows superhydrophobicity and high adhesion to water when ambient humidity is lower than saturated humidity. The peanut leaf-like two-level nanostructure of MIL-100 (Fe) is speculated as the principal factor to bring about the binary synergy wettability of the material. Accordingly, the material can realize humidity-controlled separation of at least 12 types of emulsions along with satisfactory durability. The responsive condition of the material is mild and green, which does lower damage to the material and environment. This strategy is the first to realize humidity-responsive wettability transition and provides a novel approach for manually controlled environmental protection.