Pine-branch-like TiO2 nanofibrous membrane for high efficiency strong corrosive emulsion separation

Abstract

Strong corrosive emulsion sewage must be properly treated because it is not only very harmful to the environment, but also an enormous waste of chemical resources. Here we fabricated a pine-branch-like TiO₂ nanofibrous membrane via an electrospinning and hydrothermal process. Besides neutral emulsions, the obtained membrane could separate various highly corrosive acidic (pH < 0), basic (pH > 14), and salty oil-in-water emulsions with efficiencies higher than 99% without extra force assistance, which is highly promising for aquatic environment protection as well as resource recycling.