Dopamine triggered the polymerization and co-deposition of HEMA on PVDF membranes to prepare oil-water separation membranes

A one-step co-deposition method based on dopamine and hydrophilic hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was proposed for the modification of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane, which could ameliorate its oil-water separation performances and hydrophilicity. A range of modified membranes were prepared by adding different content of HEMA in the reaction solution. For the improved membrane, the minimum water contact angle can reach 13.63°, and the maximum underwater oil contact angle can reach about 150°. The pure water flux for the improved membrane reaches 9668 L·m -2 ·h -1 ·bar -1 , showing excellent hydrophilicity. In addition, the separation efficiency of the improved membrane for a variety of oil-water emulsions exceeds 98%, indicating good permeability and circulating oil resistance. At the same time, this approach is also applicable to other membranes on account of the extensive availability of dopamine.