Ce-MOF-based superhydrophobic nancellulose composite membrane with rapid photocatalytic properties and continuous oil-water separation

The discharge of oily wastewater and sewage in industry and life was increasing, seriously affecting the sustainability of the environment and ecosystem. In this work, a multifunctional superhydrophobic nanocellulose-based membrane was prepared by spraying Ce-MOF nanoparticles onto the nanocellulose membrane, which had a hydrostatic contact angle of up to 170°: (i) Resistance to harsh conditions (including high temperatures, abrasion, ultraviolet light exposure, bending, and self-cleaning); (ii) Achieve efficient separation of mixed oil and water. It has shown commendable efficacy in separating wastewater containing mixed oils. The separation flux of mixed oil wastewater was 179 L·m −2 ·h −1 (n-hexane and chloroform/water), and the separation efficiency was >94 % (n-hexane and chloroform/water); (iii) Efficient and rapid photocatalytic removal of pollutants, which is a useful property to prevent organic pollution; (iv) Effectively prevent biological pollutants adhesion, reducing the amount of microbial adhesion by 67.74 %. In many fields, such as industrial production and urban sewage treatment, wastewater treatment in harsh environments as well as the durability of materials has always been an issue. The appearance of this new material provides a feasible solution to this problem.