Fabrication of 3D silica with outstanding organic molecule separation and self-cleaning performance

•3D silica is prepared by a novel growth-aggregation-modification-growth strategy.•The 3D silica is suitable for separating surfactant stabilized oil-in-water emulsion.•The separation process without flux limitation is rapidly that completely within10 min.•3D silica have been industrialized due to its low-cost and simple preparation procedure.