In situ one-step fabrication of durable superhydrophobic-superoleophilic cellulose/LDH membrane with hierarchical structure for efficiency oil/water separation

In this work, a simple and effective strategy was developed to fabricate the superhydrophobic cellulose/LDH (layered double hydroxide) membrane in an open oil/water two-phase system, which perfectly integrates the processes of hydrothermal reaction and hydrophobic modification. In this reaction system, the two dominant factors of superhydrophobic properties, such as surface roughness and low surface energy, could be accomplished simultaneously by utilizing crystal growth in aqueous phase and hydrophobic modification in oil phase. Such membranes were effectively used to separate multiple types of oil/water mixtures, as well as exhibit excellent recyclability with stable superhydrophobicity under harsh conditions, making them highlighted candidate for oily water remediation.