Study on the hydrogel-functionalized PVDF membrane for ultrafast oily wastewater separation and simultaneous demulsification

A superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic PVDF membrane, coated with a functionalized copolymer hydrogel, was fabricated for oily water separation. The membrane achieved a permeate flux of 7750 L/(m 2 ·h) and a separation efficiency of 99.0 % for crude oil-in-water emulsions. The functionalized hydrogel also accelerated the coalescence and potential demulsification of the emulsion. This membrane offers a reagent-free and concentrate-free solution for the disposal of oily wastewater and a technique for crude oil recycling.