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Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing 3D Coculture Systems with PVA-PCL Nanofibrous Membranes
Published on: December 27, 2024
Efficient Oil/Water Separation Membrane Derived from Super-Flexible and Superhydrophilic Core-Shell Organic/Inorganic
Zhi Liu1, Detao Qin2, Jianghui Zhao3
1School of Textile and Garment, Anhui Polytechnic University, Beijing Road, Wuhu 241000, China. liuzhi@ahpu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
To address the worldwide oil and water separation issue, a novel approach was inspired by natural phenomena to synthesize superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic organic/inorganic nanofibrous membranes via a scale up fabrication approach. The synthesized membranes possess a delicate organic core of PVDF-HFP and an inorganic shell of a CuO nanosheet structure, which endows super-flexible properties owing to the merits of PVDF-HFP backbones, and superhydrophilic functions contributed by the extremely rough surface of a CuO nanosheet anchored on flexible PVDF-HFP. Such an organic core and inorganic shell architecture not only functionalizes membrane performance in terms of antifouling, high flux, and low energy consumption, but also extends the lifespan by enhancing its mechanical strength and alkaline resistance to broaden its applicability. The resultant membrane exhibits good oil/water separation efficiency higher than 99.7%, as well as excellent anti-fouling properties for various oil/water mixtures. Considering the intrinsic structural innovation and its integrated advantages, this core-shell nanofibrous membrane is believed to be promising for oil/water separation, and this facile approach is also easy for scaled up manufacturing of functional organic/inorganic nanofibrous membranes with insightful benefits for industrial wastewater treatment, sensors, energy production, and many other related areas.
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