In situ mussel-inspired Janus membranes using catechol and polyethyleneimine as the additives for highly efficient oil/water emulsions separation

• Published in: Separation and purification technology 2021-05, Vol.262, p.118310, Article 118310
• Main Authors: Ma, Hou-Ying, Hu, Yi-Ning, Yang, Hao, Zhu, Li-Jing, Wang, Gang, Zeng, Zhi-Xiang, Wang, Ling-Hui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Asymmetric wettability; Blend membrane; Catechol; Janus membranes; Oil/water emulsions separation
• ISSN: 1383-5866; 1873-3794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.seppur.2021.118310

[Display omitted] •JMs were fabricated via NIPS process based on in situ mussel-inspired chemistry.•JMs are employed for unidirectional liquid collection with lossless transportation.•JMs exhibit highly efficient oil/water emulsions separation.•JMs have stability and durability in NaCl solution and water at pH 1 to12. Janus membranes (JMs) with asymmetrical wettability have been fabricated by (co)deposition of dopamine and its catechol derivatives on the hydrophobic substrates for oil/water emulsions separation, while it remains to be desired to simplify the preparation processes. Here, poly(vinylidene fluoride) membranes using catechol and polyethyleneimine as the additives were fabricated by non-solvent phase inversion on the non-woven fabric. Hydrophilic polycatechol and polyethyleneimine (PCCh-PEI) aggregates migrated on the top side of the fabricated membranes, improving their hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the hydrophobic back surface with irregular nano/micropores and lots of PVDF spherulites was gained after peeling off the supporting fabric. As a result, the as-prepared Janus membranes showed excellent emulsion separation, stability, and durability, which can potentially be used for unidirectional liquid collection with lossless transportation. This work opens a new and facile way for the fabrication of JMs with asymmetric wettability toward the versatile separation of oil/water emulsions.