In situ growth polydopamine decorated polypropylen melt-blown membrane for highly efficient oil/water separation

The removal of organic pollutants from water is highly desired because of the development of industrial and social economy. Superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic membranes are emerging materials for effective oil/water separation. In this paper, superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic polypropylene (PP) melt-blown membranes were prepared through melt-blown and in situ growth method, achieving highly efficient oil/water separation. After in situ growth, polydopamine (PDA) grows on the surface of PP fibers, and the addition of coupling agent (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, APTES) can improve the stability of the membrane in harsh environments (1 M HCl, 1 M NaOH, 1 M NaCl). The PDA/APTES@PP membrane could dramatically enhance the wetting (water contact angle similar to 0, underwater oil contact angle similar to 154 degrees) compare with the pristine PP melt-blown membrane (water contact angle similar to 130 degrees, underwater oil contact angle similar to 0). Moreover, the filtration performance is at a high level (similar to 99%). The behaviors are comparable or even superior to the typical reported results in the references (such as the mussel-inspired superhydrophilic PVDF membrane and copper mesh). This method provides a facile route to prepared multi-functional membrane for highly efficiency oil/water separation and industrial oily wastewater remediation. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.