Durable CNTs Reinforced Porous Electrospun Superhydrophobic Membrane for Efficient Gravity Driven Oil/Water Separation

Developing a durable and efficient oil/water separation membrane for purification of the oily water is crucial for sustainable aquatic ecosystems and public health. Herein, a superhydrophobic and superoleophilic nanofibrous membrane was successfully developed with an improved mechanical strength via a facile method of blend-electrospun. By introducing an ultralow amounts of carbon nanotubes (CNTs, 0.15 wt%, 2.55 mg/g), the obtained composite membrane exhibited a satisfactory hydrophobic (water contact angle, WCA = 152°) and oleophilic nature (oil contact angle, OCA ∼ 0°, oil permeation time =91.63 ms). The as-prepared composite membrane exhibited a strong acid/alkali resistance (pH = 1–14), high thermal stability (160 °C), and good mechanical stability; it had a high oil-water separation flux (max = 9270 L m^-2 h^-1) and a separation efficiency of > 99% under the driving of gravity, indicating a significant applicability for energy-saving filtration. The integration of high performance, low cost, and a simple solution-based fabrication process makes the as-prepared membranes have a great potential for future applications.