Stabilized superhydrophobic composite membranes prepared by electrospinning for oil–water separation

Abstract In dealing with the oil–water separation process, improving the oil–water selectivity of the membrane surface and increasing the porosity within the membrane are effective means to achieve durable and efficient oil–water separation. Therefore, polystyrene/polyacrylonitrile‐polyvinylidene fluoride/Polydimethylsiloxane Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles (PS/PAN‐PVDF/PDMS@Fe 3 O 4 ) composite membranes with superhydrophobicity and lipophilicity were prepared by electrospinning technique. By controlling the filling concentration of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, a stable superhydrophobic and lipophilic rough structure was constructed, and micro–nano multilayer rough voids existed inside the membrane. The results showed that the composite fiber membrane exhibited exceptional superhydrophobicity (156.2°), thermal stability (338°C), mechanical properties (tensile strength of 3.0 MPa, elongation of 33.9%), and oil adsorption capacity (30–100 g/g). Moreover, even under corrosive environments, this composite fiber membrane maintained its superhydrophobic properties (above 152°) and achieved high oil–water separation efficiency (above 97%). Remarkably, after 40 cycles, the composite membrane could sustain a separation flux of 5000 L m −2 h −1 . Consequently, the composite fiber membrane manufactured using this strategy exhibits promising potential for applications in oil–water separation.