

After being absorbed, the oil can either be stored in the sponge for later retrieval or burned off, allowing the sponge to be reused.

One of the most amazing parts of this technology is that the sponges can be directed by magnets, providing an easy way to collect the sponges after they’ve absorbed oil. Here is a great short video explaining how they work:

Source (Mike Williams, “Nanosponges soak up oil again and again”, Rice University, 13.04.2012)