11 - Recent Developments of Carbon Nanomaterials-Incorporated Membranes, Carbon Nanofibers and Carbon Membranes for Oily Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

The major challenges to using membrane technology in oil-related industries are severe membrane fouling caused by the surfactant adsorption and/or pore plugging by oil droplets as well as surface properties degradation due to its polymeric-based structure. In this regard, carbon-based membrane technology has been considered as an attractive technique to fill the gap between membrane technology and existing oily wastewater treatment. This chapter places a main focus on the recent advances of carbon-based nanomaterials and nanocomposite membranes for effective treatment of emulsified oil/water mixtures. A general overview of the research breakthrough using carbon nanomaterial-incorporated membranes and carbon nanofibers to enhance oily wastewater treatment is provided. This is followed by a review of the current development of carbon membranes based on their fabrication, characterization, and separation performance. Some challenges facing the development of carbon-based membranes in oily wastewater treatment are also highlighted at the end of the chapter.