Electrospun flexible nanofibrous membranes for oil/water separation

Abstract

Frequent oil spills and the ever-growing discharge of industrial oily wastewater seriously threaten ecosystems and human safety and result in huge economic loss, which has stimulated researchers to explore advanced oil/water separation materials. Electrospun nanofibrous membranes, featuring tunable wettability, good flexibility, high porosity, and outstanding pore connectivity, have received increasing attention. In this review, we aim to present the design and fabrication of electrospun flexible nanofibrous membranes with special wettability for oil/water separation. This review focuses on the discussion of various electrospun flexible membranes, assorted into three categories, including polymer-based membranes, ceramic-based membranes, and carbon-based membranes. In each type, the representative studies, fabrication techniques, and the synergistic effect among the membrane structure, selective wettability, and oil/water separation performance are discussed in detail. Finally, future perspectives and challenges in this promising field are highlighted.