A facile one-step preparation method of recyclable superhydrophobic polypropylene membrane for oil–water separation

Abstract

A facile one-step dip-coating method is reported here to prepare recyclable superhydrophobic polypropylene membrane. Membranes with nanoscale surface roughness and contact angle (water) greater than 150° were created by dipping polypropylene fabric film in a solution of silica nanoparticles networked with alkylsiloxanes and they exhibited excellent oil flux for oil–water separation in a gravity-induced simple separation system. Taking into consideration its separation selectivity, productivity flux, reusability and endurance, the membranes show promise in oily wastewater treatment and oil spill cleanup.