Designing Flexible and Porous Fibrous Membranes for Oil Water Separation—A Review of Recent Developments

Abstract

Oil sorbent membranes are highly effective materials in combating oil spills. Recent technological advancements in membrane preparations permit higher oil-sorption efficiency and easier oil recoverability. This review article discusses the main structural difference between the most commonly fabricated membranes. Next, it highlights the different membrane production methods and their role in producing effective membranes, while focusing on the recent advances in elevating the properties of the membranes through the addition of different nanocomposites. Consequently, the hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties are highlighted, which are critical in the oil-collection mechanism. Finally, it examines prediction and challenges with regards to oil/water separation and recovery. These concepts are discussed with emphasis on modern production methods and oil-sorption proficiency.

Keywords:

• Polymer membranes
• porous fibers
• oleophilicity
• nanocomposites
• spinning

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Office of Graduate Studies, under the Graduate Research Assistantship Program from Qatar University and NPRP grant 10-0127-170269 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation).