One-step in-situ fabrication of carbon nanotube/stainless steel mesh membrane with excellent anti-fouling properties for effective gravity-driven filtration of oil-in-water emulsions

• Published in: Journal of colloid and interface science 2021-06, Vol.592, p.87-94
• Main Authors: Yin, Xiangying, He, Yi, Li, Hongjie, Ma, Xiaoyu, Zhou, Liang, He, Teng, Li, Shuangshuang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anti-fouling; Carbon nanotube; Oil/water separation; Superhydrophilicity-underwater superoleophobicity
• ISSN: 0021-9797; 1095-7103
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcis.2021.02.043

[Display omitted] The occurrence of membrane fouling has resulted in limited wastewater treatment applications. The development of superhydrophilic-underwater superoleophobic materials has received significant attention owing to their good anti-fouling properties. However, to fabricate such materials need costly regents and tedious steps. Thus, developing a one-step process to prepare a low-cost material for oil/water separation is still desired. In this study, bio-inspired from an arachnid, inorganic carbon nanotube stainless steel meshes (CNT@SSMs) having superhydrophilic-underwater superoleophobic and excellent anti-fouling properties and a unique fiber structure were fabricated via a one-step thermal chemical vapor deposition method. The CNT@SSMs had a small pore size enabling a high water flux of 10,639 L m−2h−1 and the separation of oily wastewater, including various emulsions, at a high rejection ratio of >98.89%. As a result of its excellent chemical stability under high temperatures, a broad pH range, and saline environments, the CNT@SSM has the potential to be used in extreme conditions. In summary, these CNT@SSMs are easy to fabricate and are low-cost as a result of inexpensive reagents involved. Moreover, these novel superwetting membranes are promising candidates for treatment of hazardous oily wastewater.