The efficient self-cleaning membrane of Mn-TiO2/carbon cloth for oil-water separation

Mn-TiO 2 /carbon cloth (CC) membranes with various Mn doping concentrations have been synthesized by hydrothermal process for efficient oil-water separation. The prepared membranes with superhydrophilic in air and underwater superoleophobic have the excellent self-cleaning performance under visible light driven, and these performances are strongly influenced by Mn doping concentration. The separation efficiency of the membranes is above 98% even after 56 oil-water separation cycles for various oil-water mixtures due to the d-states hybridization of Mn ions. Importantly, the membranes also have the good mechanical performance, reusability, chemical durability, and even work in acid, alkali and salt environment. The aforementioned properties and the easily scale-up production technique ensure that the Mn-TiO 2 /CC membrane has a potential application in practical treatment of oil spillage clean-up and oily wastewater.