One-step fabrication of multifunctional superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic cotton fabrics for efficient oil/water separation and a rapid photo-Fenton catalytic degradation of organic pollutants

The discharge of oily contaminated water is causing severe environmental harm, highlighting the urgent need to develop cost-effective materials for the extensive treatment of marine oil spills and industrial wastewater. Superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic membranes have emerged as a promising technology owing to their potential in treating oily wastewater. However, these membranes still face challenges in the efficient removal of organic pollutants from oily wastewater. To address this, a one-step modification method was employed to functionalize cotton fabrics (CF) using iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 2 O 3 -NPs). The process involved treating CF with an iron precursor solution at 120 °C for 4 h, resulting in a multifunctional membrane with superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic properties. The as-prepared composite membrane demonstrated highly efficient degradation of organic dyes (99.5 %) within 8 min by a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalytic reaction. It also achieved effective oil/water separation, exhibiting a high flux of 28,680 Lm −2 h −1 , and a separation efficiency of 99.7 %. Furthermore, the membrane showed excellent reusability, stability under harsh environments, and notable antifouling properties. By integrating rapid photocatalytic degradation with efficient oil/water separation, this study represents a significant step toward the development of multifunctional membranes for complex wastewater remediation.