3D printed cellulose-based high-efficiency oil-water separation mesh

Abstract In this study, a high-performance oil-water separation mesh based on cellulose was fabricated by Direct Ink Writing (DIW) 3D printing technology. The 3D printing process can be undergo in a natural environment by using a cellulose acetate/ethyl acetate solution as a DIW printing ink. This oil-water separation mesh prepared has various advantages, such as uniform size, controllable aperture, simple and easy printing process, and rapid prototyping. The super high separation efficiency of 96 % and the high flux of 400 000 L·m −2 ·h −1 can be realized when the average pore size of the 3D printed super-hydrophilic cellulose mesh is 280 μm or less. Moreover, oil-water separation mesh prepared based on highly hydrophilic cellulose are chemically resistant to extreme acidity and alkalinity. It is also capable of separating oils of various viscosities. In addition, the cellulose mesh can cope with the mechanical force caused by high-frequency vibration, and maintain excellent oil-water separation efficiency in the external force field. Therefore, this highly efficient oil-water separation mesh can be used in oil-water separation processes in a variety of applications.