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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Synthesis of Hydrogels with Antifouling Properties As Membranes for Water Purification
Published on: April 7, 2017
Gradient-channel quaternized chitosan/corncob-based aerogel membranes for efficient oil-water separation and dye
Fuang Song1, Jianyong Li1, Maocheng Ji1
1Key Laboratory of High Efficiency and Clean Mechanical Manufacture of Ministry of Education, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, PR China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Mechanical Engineering Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250061, PR China.
Abstract:
Oil-containing wastewater, particularly surfactant-stabilized oil-in-water emulsions, remains extremely challenging to treat due to its high stability and complex composition. In this study, a gradient porous aerogel membrane was prepared using quaternized chitosan and corn cobs via directed freezing and freeze-drying techniques. Quaternized chitosan endows the membrane with inherent hydrophilicity and a positively charged surface, while the incorporation of corn cobs enhances mechanical strength and improves dye removal capacity. The gradient pore structure further generates a capillary-assisted transport effect, thereby enhancing separation performance. This combination of structure and function confers the membrane with underwater superoleophobicity and electrostatic interaction capabilities, enabling efficient oil-water separation and dye adsorption. The membrane exhibited the most outstanding separation performance in both immiscible oil-in-water mixtures (11,190 L m-2 h-1, 99%) and oil-in-water emulsions prepared with anionic surfactants (1200 L m-2 h-1, 97%), while effectively removing various dyes and demonstrating good cycling stability. This study proposes a bio-based strategy that integrates structural regulation with interfacial functionality, providing a highly promising platform for multifunctional wastewater treatment.
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