Multiscale-structured superhydrophobic/superoleophilic SiO2 composite poly(ether sulfone) membranes with high efficiency and flux for water-in-oil emulsions separation under harsh conditions

Multiscale-structured SiO2 composite poly(ether sulfone) membranes (MSiCPESMs) are facilely prepared via the methods of nonsolvent induced phase separation and sol-gel. MSiCPESMs show excellent superoleophilicity and superhydrophobicity which are stable at different pH values. MSiCPESMs can separate various surfactant-free and surfactant-stabilized water-in-oil emulsions with high efficiency under corrosive conditions.