The development of high-performance membranes for oil/water separation is essential to mitigate environmental pollution caused by industrial discharges and accidental oil spills. In this study, a bacterial cellulose/silica microparticle/polydopamine (BC/SiO₂@PDA) composite membrane was systematically evaluated for its performance in continuous oil/water separation under varying operational conditions. The membrane was fabricated through a one-pot method involving the blending of BC nanofibers with SiO₂-MPs followed by in situ self-polymerization of dopamine hydrochloride to form a PDA coating. This design enabled the creation of a superhydrophilic surface with underwater superoleophobic properties, critical for effective water permeation and oil rejection.
To assess continuous separation capability, the membrane was tested using a dynamic filtration setup where a 1:1 mixture of kerosene oil and water was continuously fed into the upper chamber under a low negative pressure of 0.3–0.5 bar. The results showed that the BS1.0@P membrane maintained a stable water flux of approximately 10,600 Lm⁻²h⁻¹ throughout the test period, with no decline in performance over multiple hours of operation. The separated water collected from the lower receiver remained clear and free of oil traces, while the oil phase was effectively retained on the membrane surface.Clock Antibody Formula Notably, even after prolonged exposure, no significant fouling or pore blockage was observed, indicating excellent antifouling characteristics.
Further evaluation was conducted using different oils—toluene, xylene, n-hexane, and dichloromethane—to determine the membrane’s versatility. All tested oils were successfully repelled underwater, with underwater oil contact angles (OCA) ranging between 149.2° and 152.0°, confirming consistent superoleophobic behavior. Dynamic wetting tests demonstrated that oil droplets rapidly slid off the surface without deformation, reinforcing the self-cleaning nature of the membrane. This property ensures minimal maintenance and sustained efficiency during long-term use.
For emulsion separation, an oil-in-water emulsion was prepared using toluene, water, and Tween-80 as surfactant, sonicated for 3 hours to achieve stability. The BS1.0@P membrane achieved a separation flux of ~1250 Lm⁻²h⁻¹ under ultra-low pressure (<0.1 bar), with a maximum oil rejection rate of 98.2%. Analysis via dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed that the feed emulsion contained droplets ranging from 145 nm to 6450 nm, whereas the filtrate showed only trace amounts of sub-30 nm particles, likely due to residual emulsifier. Optical microscopy confirmed the absence of visible oil droplets in the filtrate, validating the membrane's high selectivity. Recyclability tests were performed over 20 consecutive cycles. After each run, the membrane was rinsed with tap water for 2 minutes, then deionized water, dried at ambient temperature, and reused. The flux remained nearly constant (~10,600 Lm⁻²h⁻¹), and separation efficiency stayed above 99.9% across all cycles. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images post-reuse showed no structural degradation or particle aggregation, confirming mechanical and chemical stability.CHN1 Antibody Description
Additionally, the membrane exhibited robust performance in extreme environments.PMID:34939702 When exposed to acidic (pH 1.0), neutral (pH 7.0), and alkaline (pH 12.0) solutions, along with 0.1 M NaCl, it maintained full separation capacity. Although slight leaching of PDA was detected at pH 12, no significant loss in functionality occurred. A two-month soaking test in distilled water further confirmed long-term stability, with flux and efficiency remaining unchanged.
These findings demonstrate that the BC/SiO₂@PDA membrane is not only highly efficient but also suitable for continuous, large-scale applications in wastewater treatment plants, offshore platforms, and industrial facilities. Its combination of high flux, durability, reusability, and resistance to harsh conditions makes it a practical and sustainable solution for real-world oil/water separation challenges.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com