Ceramic membrane composites for highly efficient oil–water separation: a review

Abstract

With the rapid development of the world economy, industrial production and domestic activities have significantly increased oil wastewater, contributing to escalating environmental pollution. Consequently, developing effective methods for treating oil wastewater has become paramount. Given the cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and outstanding chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability of ceramic membranes, their application in oil-containing wastewater treatment has garnered significant attention. While recent research studies have focused on the construction of functional structure ceramic composite membranes, particularly the modulation of surface wetting properties and catalytic functionalities, as well as the development of gradient structures and performance enhancement, this paper provides a comprehensive review of ceramic membrane composites for highly efficient oil–water separation. The classification of ceramic membrane composites, methods for regulating superwetting surface properties, and brief insights into properties and approaches for constructing functional structures are introduced. Challenges faced by ceramic membrane composites in practical oil–water separation applications are discussed, and future development directions are proposed.