Fabrication of superhydrophobic nonwoven fabric membrane by using a single-step facile strategy for enhanced oil-water separation

Membranes are frequently employed in oil/water separation due to their efficiency, convenience, and low cost. Low flux rate, membrane fouling, regulated porosity structure, durability, cost-effectiveness, and non-toxicity still hinder membrane-based oil/water separation. This research creates a superhydrophobic/superoleophilic non-woven fabric membrane using a one-step dip coating process to separate oil and water. Due to their resilience, Vinyltris(2-methoxyethyl)silane and Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) were used for the first time to modify non-woven fabric surfaces. Membrane separation efficiency, durability, porosity, and flux rate investigations were carried. Results reveal membrane is superhydrophobic and superoleophilc. The study also evaluates the fabrication method's economic viability and scalability. The membrane's morphological, compositional, chemical, thermal, and wettability properties were assessed by SEM, EDS, FTIR, XPS, TGA/DTG, and WCA/OCA analysis. Porosity and pore size distribution analysis were also performed to study its porous structure for practical o/w separation. Anchoring Vinyltris(2-methoxyethoxy)silane onto nonwoven fabric for the first time increased flux rate. Due to its fine and smooth pore size distribution porous, this membrane performs better for practical oil/water separation applications by achieving higher flux rates of 24,560 Lm⁻²h⁻¹ for light oil (n-hexane) and 24,000 Lm⁻²h⁻¹ for heavy oil (DCM), a separation efficiency of 99.8%, better durability and reusability for 50 cycles of o/w separation, and environmentally friendly Its high performance parameters make it a premier oil-water separation solution. Synthetic membranes are affordable, durable, and eco-friendly. Its tiny porous structure improves flux rate and reduces fouling for fast o/w separation. Future research will focus on increasing coating thickness by altering chemical concentrations, testing its long-term endurance, and scaling up the process.