An Amphiphilic Ionic Polymer-Modified Wood-Based Membrane for Efficient Oil-Water Separation

Area of Science:

• Environmental Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Global water security is threatened by oil spills and wastewater discharge.
• Pollution degrades water quality, impacting ecosystems and human health.
• Efficient oily wastewater separation is crucial for environmental protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a green, sustainable, and low-cost membrane for oily wastewater treatment.
• To enhance oily wastewater separation and recycling technologies.

Main Methods:

• Prepared a polysulfobetaine-wood (pSB-W) membrane via brush modification.
• Modified wood surface with an amphoteric ionic polymer.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultrahigh flux of 3699.1 L·m⁻²·h⁻¹.
• Demonstrated >99.90% separation efficiency for oil-in-water emulsions.
• Exhibited excellent chemical, mechanical stability, and recyclability.

Conclusions:

• The pSB-W membrane shows significant potential for practical application in oily wastewater treatment.
• This technology offers a sustainable solution for improving water quality and security.