Sorbent-based oil skimmer and methods of use

A sorbent-based oil skimmer configured to capture an oil-containing first liquid from the top of a second liquid, the sorbent-based oil skimmer comprising:

• an encasing;
• a ballast connected to the encasing;
• and a sponge constructed from a sorbent material, wherein the sponge comprises:
• a top sheet in contact with the first liquid;
• a vent comprising an opening in the top sheet, wherein the vent is in direct communication with the atmosphere above the sorbent-based oil skimmer;
• and a shell connected to the top sheet, wherein the shell extends below the top sheet into the encasing;
• and wherein the sponge is configured to absorb oil from the oil-containing first liquid and passively carry the absorbed oil into the encasing.

A sorbent-based oil skimmer configured to collect oil from an oil layer, the oil skimmer comprising:

• an encasing;
• a sponge constructed from a silicone polymer impregnated with carbonaceous material, wherein the sponge comprises:
• a top sheet in contact with the oil layer;
• a vent comprising an opening in the top sheet, wherein the vent is in direct communication with the atmosphere above the oil skimmer;
• and
• a shell connected to the top sheet, wherein the shell extends below the top sheet into the encasing;
• and
• wherein the sponge is configured to absorb oil from the oil layer and passively deposit the absorbed oil into the encasing under the force of gravity.