Modified PVA membrane for separation of micro-emulsion

Release of liquefied hydrocarbons in domestic and industrial effluents, along with oil spills cause significant adverse effects on the soil, water, aquatic ecosystem, and humans. Thus, selective and cost-effective technology to address this challenge is highly desirable. Here, we report the fabrication of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membrane, modified with glutaraldehyde (GA) and a device thereof, for treatment of oil emulsions and recovery of precious fossil fuel. The modified PVA membranes are super-oleophobic with a high static underwater oil contact angle of 163 ± 3° for motor oil. Investigation of wetting properties suggests that the membrane can efficiently separate different oils such as sesame oil, motor oil, mustard oil, and sunflower oil from their emulsions. The motor oil emulsion with separation efficiency of >99% at an excellent permeate flux of 5128 L/m²·h·bar has been achieved. Thus, the prepared modified PVA membrane construes an easy solution for not only effective treatment of oily wastewater but also for oil recovery with high flux.