The preparation of antifouling and superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge by grafting Econea to diisocyanate monomer for durable continuous oil/water separation and cleanup of oil spills

•Antifouling and superhydrophobic polyurethane sponge has been prepared.•Econea is chemically grafted on polyurethane to achieve slow release in seawater.•The hydrophobic modification process of PDMS-SiO2@PU-Econea sponge is simple to control and prepare on a large scale.•Long-term oil/water separation and cleanup of oil spills in marine environment has been realized.•Continuous and efficient removal of crude oil assisted by vacuum pump has been realized.