Bilayer Compounded Polytetrafluoroethylene Membrane for Enhanced Oil-Water Emulsion Separation

In order to achieve efficient and durable oil-water emulsion separation,the membranes possessing high separation efficiency and mechanical strength attract extensive attention and are in great demand.In present study,a kind of polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE)-based bilayer membrane was fabricated by electrospinning fibrous PTFE(fPTFE)on an expanded PTFE(ePTFE)substrate.The morphological observation revealed that the fibrous structure of the fPTFE layer could be tailored by controlling the formulation of spinning solution.The addition of appropriate polyoxyethylene(PEO)would make the fibers in the fPTFE layer finer and more uniform.As a result,the compounded membrane exhibited a small pore size of approximately 1.25µm and a substantial porosity nearing 80%.This led to super-hydrophobicity,characterized by a high water contact angle(WCA)of 149.8°,and facilitated rapid oil permeation.The water-in-oil emulsion separation experiment further confirmed that the compounded membrane not only had a high separation efficiency closing 100%,but such an outstanding separation capacity could be largely retained,either through multiple cycles of use or through strong acid(pH=1),strong alkali(pH=12),or high-temperature(100°C)treatment.Additionally,the mechanical behavior of the bilayer membrane was basically contributed by that of each layer in terms of their volume ratio.More significantly,the poor creep resistance of fPTFE layer was suppressed by compounding with ePTFE substrate.Hence,this study has laid the groundwork for a novel approach to create PTFE-based compounded membranes with exceptional overall characteristics,showing promise for applications in the realm of emulsion separation.

Anti-abrasion collagen fiber-based membrane functionalized by UiO-66-NH_(2)with ultra-high efficiency and stability for oil-in-water emulsions separation

Membrane separation strategies offer promising platform for the emulsion separation.However,the low mechanical strength of membrane separation layers and the trade-off between separation flux and efficiency present significant challenges.In this study,we report a CFM@UiO-66-NH_(2)membrane with high separation flux,efficiency and stability,through utilizing a robust anti-abrasion collagen fiber membrane(CFM)as the multifunctional support and UiO-66-NH_(2)by an in-situ growth as the separation layer.The high mechanical strength of the CFM compensated for the weakness of the separation layer,while the charge-breaking effect of UiO-66-NH_(2),along with the size sieving of its constituent separating layers and the capillary effect of the collagen fibers,contributed to the potential for efficient separation.Additionally,the CFM@UiO-66-NH_(2)membrane exhibited superhydrophilic properties,making it suitable for separating oil-in-water microemulsions and nanoemulsions stabilized by anionic surfactants.The membrane demonstrated remarkable separation efficiencies of up to 99.960%and a separation flux of370.05 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1).Moreover,it exhibits stability,durability,and abrasion resistance,maintaining excellent separation performance even when exposed to strong acids and alkalis without any damage to its structure and performance.After six cycles of reuse,it achieved a separation flux of 417.97 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1)and a separation efficiency of 99.747%.Furthermore,after undergoing 500 cycles of strong abrasion,the separation flux remained at 124.39 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1),with a separation efficiency of 99.992%.These properties make it suitable for the long-term use in harsh operating environments.We attribute these properties to the electrostatic effect resulting from the amino group on UiO-66-NH_(2)and its in-situ growth on the CFM,which forms a size-screening separation layer.Our work highlights the potential of the CFM@UiO-66-NH_(2)membrane as an environmentally friendly size-screening material for the efficient emulsion wastewater separation.

PVDF/PLA electrospun fiber membrane impregnated with metal nanoparticles for emulsion separation,surface antimicrobial,and antifouling activities

Although many superwetting materials have been designed for the treatment of oil-containing wastewater,separation strategies for oil-in-water systems containing bacteria have rarely been reported.Herein,poly(vinylidene difluoride)-and poly(lactic acid)-blended fibrous membranes loaded with silver and copper oxide nanoparticles were successfully prepared by a two-step method of electrostatic spinning and liquid-phase synthesis.The product membrane showed excellent super-oleophilic properties in air and hydrophobicity under oil.It could separate water-in-oil emulsion systems containing surfactants with an efficiency above90%.More importantly,the nanoparticle-loaded fibers were characterized by material degradability and slowly released ions.The fibers exhibited excellent antibacterial activities against both gram-positive and-negative bacteria.This work provides a feasible strategy for water-in-oil emulsion separation and bacterial treatment of wastewater.

Collagen fiber membrane-derived chemically and mechanically durable superhydrophobic membrane for high- performance emulsion separation

Developing high-performance separation membrane with good durability is a highly desired while challenging issue.Herein,we reported the successful fabrication of chemically and mechanically durable superhydrophobic membrane that was prepared by embedding UiO-66 as size-sieving sites within the supramolecular fiber structure of collagen fiber membrane(CFM),followed by the polydimethylsiloxane(PDMS)coating.The as-prepared CFM/UiO-66(12)/PDMS membrane featured capillary effect-enhanced separation flux and homogeneous porous channels guaranteed high separation efficiency.When utilized as double-layer separation membranes,this new type of composite membranes separated various surfactant stabilized water-in-oil microemulsions and nanoemulsions,with the separation efficiency high up to 99.993%and the flux as high as 973.3 L m−2 h−1.Compared with commercial polytetrafluoro ethylene(PTFE)membrane,the advantage of the double-layer CFM/UiO-66(12)/PDMS membranes in separation flux was evident,which exhibited one order of magnitude higher than that of commercial PTFE membrane.The CFM/UiO-66(12)/PDMS membrane was acid-alkali tolerant,UV-aging resistant and reusable for emulsion separation.Notably,the CFM/UiO-66(12)/PDMS membrane was mechanically durable against strong mechanical abrasion,which was still capable of separating diverse water-in-oil emulsions after the abrasion with sandpaper and assembled as double-layer separation membranes.We anticipate that the combination of CFM and metal organic frameworks(MOFs)is an effective strategy for fabricating high-performance separation membrane with high mechanical and chemical durability.

A Self-supporting,Surface Carbonized Filter Paper Membrane for Efficient Water-in-Oil Emulsion Separation

Due to the important role of oil source in our life,the separation of water-in-oil emulsion is urgent and necessary.Membrane seperation technology has been an efficient and widely used method in separating oil-water separation.Herein,we report a versatile approach to fabricate surface carbonized membranes with self-standing property from biomass-derived precursor by synergistic charring of phytic acid,arginine and filter paper.The obtained membrane exhibited superhydrophobicity in oil,excellent fouling resistance,and self-supporting ability.The membrane can be cycle-used at least 12 times with high permeation flux(up to 1380 L·m^(-2)·h^(-1))and separation efficiency(up to 99.4%).

Ultrahydrophobic melamine sponge via interfacial modification with reduced graphene oxide/titanium dioxide nanocomposite and polydimethylsiloxane for oily wastewater treatment

Three-dimensional(3D)porous absorbents have attracted significant attention in the oily wastewater treatment technology due to their high porosity and elasticity.Given their amphiphilic surface,they have a propensity to simultaneously absorb water and oil,which restricts their range of applications.In this study,a reduced graphene oxide and titanium dioxide nanocomposite(rGO/TiO_(2))was used to fabricate an ultra-hydrophobic melamine sponge(MS)through interfacial modification using a solution immersion technique.To further modify it,poly-dimethylsiloxane(PDMS)was grafted onto its surface to establish stronger covalent bonds with the composite.The water contact angle of the sponge(rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS)was 164.2°,which satisfies the condition for ultrahydrophobicity.The evidence of its water repellency was demonstrated by the Cassie-Baxter theory and the lotus leaf effect.As a result of the increased density of rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS,it recorded an initial capacity that was 2 g/g lower than the raw MS for crude oil absorption.The raw MS retained 53% of its initial absorption capacity after 20 cycles of absorption,while rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS retained 97%,suggesting good recyclability.Excellent oil and organic solvent recovery(90%-96%)was demonstrated by rGO/TiO_(2)/PDMS/MS in oil-water combinations.In a continuous separation system,it achieved a remarkable separation efficiency of 2.4×10^(6)L/(m^(3)·h),and in turbulent emulsion separation,it achieved a demulsification efficiency of 90%-91%.This study provides a practical substitute for massive oil spill cleaning.

Flexible,durable,and anti-fouling nanocellulose-based membrane functionalized by block copolymer with ultra-high flux and efficiency for oil-in-water emulsions separation

The clearwater obtained from stabilized oily wastewater has become a worldwide challenge.Nowdays,the area of oil/water emulsion separation materials have accomplished great progress,but still faces the enormous problems of low flux,poor stability,and pollution resistance.Nanocelluloses(cellulose nanocrystals(CNC))with the advantages of hydrophilicity,ecofriendliness,and regeneration are ideal materials for the construction of separation membranes.In this paper,a flexible,antifouling,and durable nanocellulose-based membrane functionalized by block copolymer(poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-b-poly(N,Ndimethylaminoethyl methacrylate))is prepared via chemical modification and self-assembly,showing high separation efficiency(above 99.6%)for stabilized oil-in-water emulsions,excellent anti-fouling and cycling stability,high-temperature resistance,and acid and alkali resistance.More importantly,the composite membrane has ultra-high flux in separating oil-in-water emulsions(29,003 L·m^(−2)·h^(−1)·bar^(−1))and oil/water mixture(51,444 L·m^(−2)·h^(−1)·bar^(−1)),which ensures high separation efficiency.With its durability,easy scale-up,and green regeneration,we envision this biomass-derived membrane will be an alternative to the existing commercial filter membrane in environmental remediation.

Selective separation of oil-in-water emulsion with high efficiency by bio-inspired Janus membrane

The efficient and rapid separation of oil from stabilized oil-in-water emulsions with micro/nanometer size is a global challenge.Owing to the low oil content in oil-in-water emulsions,separating the oil by simply controlling the surface wettability is difficult.Controlling the pore size of the membrane surface to achieve separation will lead to a sharp decrease in flux.Herein,inspired by cell membrane transportation,a hydrophilic/hydrophobic bifunctional Janus membrane for stable oil-in-water separation was prepared by simple surface polymerization and vapor diffusion.The prepared Janus membrane contained a hydrophobic side and hydrophilic polyamine layer.When used for oil-in-water emulsion separation,the polyamine layer accumulated micro/nanometer oil droplets,forming an oil layer on the hydrophobic surface.Water was retained by the 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl trichlorosilane layer,allowing oil droplets to selectively permeate through the membrane,achieving the separation effect.As the pore size of the modified fabric was basically unchanged,the permeation flux was fast(1.53×10^(3) Lm^(−2) h^(−1)).Furthermore,the poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)layer destroyed the emulsion stability,making the emulsion droplets aggregate without affecting the separation efficiency with fast permeation flux.Therefore,the prepared bifunctional Janus membrane shows great potential for actual wastewater treatment.

An antifouling catechol/chitosan-modified polyvinylidene fluoride membrane for sustainable oil-in-water emulsions separation

Low-pressure membrane filtrations are considered as effective technologies for sustainable oil/water separation.However,conventional membranes usually suffer from severe pore clogging and surface fouling,and thus,novel membranes with superior wettability and antifouling features are urgently required.Herein,we report a facile green approach for the development of an underwater superoleophobic microfiltration membrane via one-step oxidant-induced ultrafast co-deposition of naturally available catechol/chitosan on a porous polyvinylidene fluoride(PVDF)substrate.Membrane morphology and surface chemistry were studied using a series of characterization techniques.The as-prepared membrane retained the original pore structure due to the ultrathin and uniform catechol/chitosan coating.It exhibited ultrahigh pure water permeability and robust chemical stability under harsh pH conditions.Moreover,the catechol/chitosan hydrophilic coating on the membrane surface acting as an energetic barrier for oil droplets could minimize oil adhesion on the surface,which endowed the membrane with remarkable antifouling property and reusability in a cyclic oil-in-water(O/W)emulsion separation.The modified membrane exhibited a competitive flux of~428 L/(m^(2)·h·bar)after three filtration cycles,which was 70%higher than that of the pristine PVDF membrane.These results suggest that the novel underwatersuperoleophobic membrane can potentially be used for sustainable O/W emulsions separation,and the proposed green facile modification approach can also be applied to other water-remediation materials considering its low cost and simplicity.

Fabrication of Cu(OH)_2 Nanowires Blended Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Ultrafiltration Membranes for Oil-Water Separation

Cu（OH）2 nanowires were prepared and incorporated into poly（vinylidene fluoride）（PVDF） to fabricate Cu（OH）2-PVDF ultrafiltration（UF） membrane via immersion precipitation phase inversion process. The effect of Cu（OH）2 nanowires on the morphology of membranes was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS）, Fourier transform infrared（FTIR） spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy（AFM）, scanning electron microscopy（SEM） and X-ray diffraction（XRD） measurements. The results showed that all the Cu（OH）2-PVDF membranes had wider fingerlike pore structure and better hydrophilicity, smoother surface than pristine PVDF membrane due to the incorporation of Cu（OH）2 nanowires. In addition, water flux and bovine serum albumin（BSA） rejection were also measured to investigate the filtration performance of membranes. The results indicated that all the Cu（OH）2-PVDF membranes had high water flux, outstanding BSA rejection and excellent antifouling properties. It is worth mentioning that the optimized performance could be obtained when the Cu（OH）2 nanowires content reached 1.2 wt%. Furthermore, the membrane with 1.2 wt% Cu（OH）2 nanowires showed outstanding oil-water emulsion separation capability.

Aggregation-induced demulsification triggered by the hydrophilic fabric for the separation of highly emulsified oil droplets from water

A functional fabric with hierarchical structure consisting of basalt fibre fabric as a substrate and polyvinyl alcohol as a coating was developed,aiming at providing a low cost and high-performance way to separate highly emulsified oil in water.The coating functioned as a hydrophilic gate for the penetration of water in the emulsion,whereas the micro-channels formed in the fabric offered capillary force for the continuous flow of water.The synergy of these two materials led to the increase on the oil concentration in the liquid,which in turn enhanced the collision of emulsified oil droplets to aggregate into large ones in the emulsion and resulted separation from the water.Based on these findings,an aggregation-induced demulsification process was proposed to explain the above phenomenon,and the mechanism was confirmed by studying the distribution of oil droplets in emulsion with a controlled separation degree.