One-step in-situ fabrication of carbon nanotube/stainless steel mesh membrane with excellent anti-fouling properties for effective gravity-driven filtration of oil-in-water emulsions

The occurrence of membrane fouling has resulted in limited wastewater treatment applications. The development of superhydrophilic-underwater superoleophobic materials has received significant attention owing to their good anti-fouling properties. However, to fabricate such materials need costly regents and tedious steps. Thus, developing a one-step process to prepare a low-cost material for oil/water separation is still desired. In this study, bio-inspired from an arachnid, inorganic carbon nanotube stainless steel meshes (CNT@SSMs) having superhydrophilic-underwater superoleophobic and excellent antifouling properties and a unique fiber structure were fabricated via a one-step thermal chemical vapor deposition method. The CNT@SSMs had a small pore size enabling a high water flux of 10,639 L m(-2)h(-1) and the separation of oily wastewater, including various emulsions, at a high rejection ratio of >98.89%. As a result of its excellent chemical stability under high temperatures, a broad pH range, and saline environments, the CNT@SSM has the potential to be used in extreme conditions. In summary, these CNT@SSMs are easy to fabricate and are low-cost as a result of inexpensive reagents involved. Moreover, these novel superwetting membranes are promising candidates for treatment of hazardous oily wastewater. (C) 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

In this study, bio-inspired inorganic carbon nanotube stainless steel meshes with superhydrophilic-underwater superoleophobic properties were fabricated via a one-step thermal chemical vapor deposition method. These meshes showed excellent antifouling properties, high water flux, and efficient separation of oily wastewater, making them promising candidates for treatment of hazardous oily wastewater in extreme conditions.