Robust peony-like Cu3(PO4)2/UiO-66-NH2/PVA membranes with exceptional anti-fouling performance for high flux emulsion separation

Membrane fouling is a key challenge to the sustainable operation of oil–water separation membranes. Constructing a stable hydration layer on the membrane surface as an oil-fouling resistance barrier by modulating the physicochemical structure of the membrane is one of the most effective strategies. Herein, inspired by the petal structure in nature, Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 and UiO-66-NH 2 particles were combined by a self-assembly strategy to construct CUP (Cu 3 (PO 4 ) 2 /UiO-66-NH 2 /PVA) composite membranes with anti-fouling capability against viscous crude oil. Benefiting from the petal structure and abundant polar groups within the membrane, the as-prepared membrane could easily combine with water molecules to form a stable hydration layer, which acted as a barrier to hinder the oil contamination of the membrane. Further, the hierarchical flower-like structure was conducive to the improvement of the emulsion breaking rate and permeation flux of oil-in-water emulsions. After 60 min continuous cross-flow separation, the obtained CUP composite membrane still remained prominent separation efficiency (99.6 %) and permeate flux (4685.96 LMH/bar). In addition, the CUP composite membranes showed outstanding resistance to acid and alkali as well as abrasion. This study provides an effective method for the advancement of high-performance membranes with high flux and anti-fouling capability in the flied of oily wastewater treatment.