Issue 34, 2014

The efficient separation of surfactant-stabilized oil–water emulsions with a flexible and superhydrophilic graphene–TiO2 composite membrane

Abstract

It is a worldwide challenge to efficiently separate surfactant-stabilized oil–water emulsions. The existing separation membranes are prone to fouling or are incapable of proper separation. This study is the first to realize the efficient separation of surfactant-stabilized oil–water emulsions via the delicate design and fabrication of a hierarchically nanostructured graphene–TiO2 membrane. During the oil–water separation process, this membrane demonstrates the combined advantages of high oil rejection rate and ultralow membrane fouling because of its interconnected three-dimensional nanoscale network, underwater superoleophobic interface, and self-cleaning function. Furthermore, the mechanical flexibility of this membrane endows it with great potential for wide industrial applications.

Graphical abstract: The efficient separation of surfactant-stabilized oil–water emulsions with a flexible and superhydrophilic graphene–TiO2 composite membrane

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
24 Apr 2014
Accepted
23 Jun 2014
First published
24 Jun 2014

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014,2, 14082-14088

Author version available

The efficient separation of surfactant-stabilized oil–water emulsions with a flexible and superhydrophilic graphene–TiO2 composite membrane

P. Gao, Z. Liu, D. D. Sun and W. J. Ng, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2014, 2, 14082 DOI: 10.1039/C4TA02039A

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