Cellulose Nanospheres Coated Polylactic Acid Nonwoven Membranes for Recyclable Use in Oil/Water Separation

Abstract

Oily wastewater has always been an environmental issue that we are concerned about and committed to managing. Although the superwetting membranes have been extensively studied and widely used in oil/water separation, the abundant discarded membranes are still headaches due to their non-degradable nature. In this work, all-around green, as well as superhydrophilic polylactic acid (PLA) nonwoven membrane, is designed by coating cellulose nanospheres (CNCs) with the aid of polydopamine (PDA). Abundant hydroxyl groups and hierarchical rough structure synergistically contribute to the superhydrophilicity and excellent oil/water separation performance of the resultant CNCs/PDA/PLA nonwoven membrane. Interestingly, the oil/water separation efficiency can be maintained above 98% after 100 times of repeated use. With outstanding durability, and easy controllability, the CNCs/PDA/PLA nonwoven membrane may provide effective solutions to simultaneously manage the oily wastewater and secondary pollution of the used membrane itself.