The fabrication of robust and highly efficient oil-water separation filters the high temperature sintering of silica micropower.

Superhydrophobic materials have been shown to have many attractive properties, however, their functionality can easily be lost due to the failure of the air layer. For long lasting air layer retention, dedicated mechanisms to maintain this layer and/or reintroduce air into the system are essential. Any air reintroduction control would allow for increased air lifetime but would require a porous material that allows air flow to be effective.