A novel lotus-seedpod shaped separation membrane with efficient oil harvesting function for oil/water system

•A novel “lotus seedpod” shaped biomimetic membrane was produced.•The gamma-ray irradiation was introduced into membrane for improving oil harvesting performance.•The membrane equipped excellent hydrophilic property and stable oil harvesting performance.•The membrane possessed a flux of 22,413 L·m−2·h−1 and oil harvesting efficiency of 99 % for oil/water mixture.•The membrane presented a flux of 9561 L·m−2·h−1·bar−1 and oil harvesting efficiency of 98.1 % for oil/water emulsion.