Synergistic hydrolysis, coordination and hydrogen bond interactions in NIPS for underwater superoleophobic mesh-based oil/water separation

Abstract

Constructing a durable, high-flux, and fouling-resistant coating on metal meshes without compromising their structural integrity remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we report a novel non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) strategy that enables the synchronous occurrence of antimony trichloride hydrolysis, metal–polyphenol coordination, and PVP–TA hydrogen bonding during membrane formation, realizing collaborative interface engineering of membrane formation and functionalization in a single step. The synergistic effect leads to the in situ growth of a robust superhydrophilic network on the metal mesh without destroying the substrate. The resulting membrane achieves a high flux (8000 L m⁻² h⁻¹) under gravity, along with excellent underwater self-cleaning ability and chemical stability. This work provides an efficient, time-saving, and economical method to prepare high flux and underwater self-cleaning wire mesh oil–water separation membranes.