Hierarchical and superwettable cellulose acetate nanofibrous membranes decorated via 3D flower-like layered double hydroxides for efficient oil/water separation

• LDH is introduced into DCA membrane through a simple hydrothermal grow. • 3D flower-like LDH endows the LDH@DCA membranes with strong hydrophilicity. • LDH@DCA membranes exhibit the superior oil/water separation performances. • LDH@DCA membranes possess the excellent anti-fouling and durable properties. Cellulose acetate (CA) electrospinning nanofibrous membranes have been widely utilized in oil/water separation by virtue of their sustainability and environmental friendliness. However, CA-based nanofibrous membrane usually displays the poor oil/water separation efficiency ascribed to the larger pore size and weaker wettability. Herein, 3D flower-like LDH modified bilayered CA nanofibrous membrane (LDH@DCA) with unique micro-nano structure had been successfully fabricated through the combination of electrospinning, electrospraying, as well as hydrothermal growth technology. The 3D hierarchical micro-nano structure imparts LDH@DCA membrane with outstanding superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic characteristic. The ultimate LDH@DCA nanofibrous membrane exhibits the superior oil/water separation performances with the separation flux of 27,346 L·m −2 ·h −1 ·bar −1 and separation efficiency of 98.93 %, which can be attributed to the strong hydrophilicity of LDH and the construction of 3D hierarchical rough structure. Furthermore, LDH@DCA nanofiber membranes also display the excellent anti-fouling performance and cycling stability, suggesting the wide application prospect in the purification of oily wastewater.