Robust antifouling NH2-MIL-88B coated quartz fibrous membrane for efficient gravity-driven oil-water emulsion separation

Here, a robust antifouling NH2-MIL-88B coated quartz fibrous membrane (NM88B@QFM) was developed for efficient oil-water emulsion separation via a one-step solvothermal method. The effects of NM88B precursor concentration on the morphology and surface wettability of the membranes were investigated. The prepared NM88B@QFM showed good photo-Fenton self-cleaning ability and superhydrophilicity/underwater superoleophobicity with water contact angle and underwater oil contact angle of 0° and 161.3°, respectively. The NM88B@QFM exhibited high separation efficiencies and high permeation fluxes (up to 99.4% and above 350 L m−2 h−1, respectively for a series of surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions under solely gravity-driven separation. Moreover, the NM88B@QFM showed good antifouling self-cleaning ability because Fenton-like catalytic NM88B can degrade the foulant on the membrane surface, enabling it to maintain its performance over many separation cycles. In view of the advantages of NM88B@QFM such as high separation efficiency, excellent self-cleaning and gravity self-driven performance, this type of membrane appears to be a promising candidate for low energy input, long-lasting oil-water separation.