Long-lived nanoparticle-embedded superhydrophobic membranes with rapid photocatalytic properties and continuous oil–water separation

Abstract

Superhydrophobic oil–water separation membranes have aroused widespread research interest as ideal candidates for treating oily wastewater. However, this type of membrane has difficulty simultaneously balancing the removal of organic matter in complex oily wastewater and achieving large-scale continuous oil–water separation. Herein, FeOOH/polydopamine/cotton (FPC) membranes with significant photocatalytic properties were prepared via the deposition of a complex formed by mineralizing polydopamine and Fe3+ on a cotton-based surface. Further modification with long-chain hexadecyltrimethoxysilane constructed multipurpose superhydrophobic hexadecyltrimethoxysilane/FeOOH/polydopamine/cotton (HFPC) membranes. The heterogeneous photo-Fenton system built from clipped FPC membranes rapidly degrades methyl blue pollutants with a 99.5 % degradation rate. Notably, HFPC membranes maintain exceptional superhydrophobicity even after enduring various severe damages, including 1000 sandpaper abrasions/hammer blows, 5 min running water impact, 12 h chemical immersion, 24 h UV aging, and 5 months of outdoor weathering. Additionally, HFPC membranes have separation efficiencies up to 99.5 % and continuous separation as long as 15 min, making them especially suitable for large-scale oil absorption. Long-lived nanoparticle-embedded membranes offer fast photocatalysis, long-lasting robustness, high separation efficiency and flux. Meanwhile, it has the advantages of large-scale continuous oil absorption, repeatability, low cost, and sustainability. This work merges rapid photocatalysis and efficient oil–water separation technologies, bringing a new breakthrough in expanding the multifunctional membrane field and opening a new door for the future development of related fields.