Waste mask supported PES membranes for efficient separation of oil/water emulsion

Abstract In this study, waste masks were modified by coating them with polyethersulfone (PES) to prepare a hydrophilic and oleophobic membrane for oil/water emulsion separation. Optimal performance was achieved when the PES concentration in the waste masks was 17 wt%. The water flux of the modified membrane reached 8131 L/(m 2 ·h·bar), with an oil/water emulsion separation efficiency of 98.8% for a 1‰ concentration. The maximum tensile force was measured as 0.8 N. Even after two cleaning cycles, the modified membrane retained an oil retention rate of over 80%. This technology not only enables the resource utilization of waste masks but also offers potential for modifying industrial melt‐blown nonwoven fabrics. Highlights The WM/PES membrane exhibits high mechanical properties and high roughness. The WM/PES membrane exhibits superior oil/water emulsion separation performance and contamination resistance compared with PES membranes. The WM/PES membrane exhibits significantly higher water and oil/water emulsion flux compared with PES membranes.