Multiscale super-amphiphobic ceramic membrane for oil aerosol removal

1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS)-grafted TiO2/SiC membrane with multiscale superamphiphobic property was prepared by solvothermal growth followed by dipping treatment. TiO2 nanocones grown on silicon carbide (SiC) help to ameliorate the surface structure and chemical properties for grafting FOTS. The resulted membrane exhibits super-amphiphobicity with water and oil (n-hexadecane) contact angles of 171.9. and 151.2., respectively. The static oil adsorption capacity of the membrane is lower than 5%, indicating excellent oil repelling performance. Such an amphiphobic ceramic membrane can be used in long-term oil filtration with comparative low and stable pressure drop (11 kPa) and high rejection rate (98.24%). This work represents a new approach to achieve a super-amphiphobic surface on a solid ceramic membrane, opening a new avenue for the application of oil aerosol removal.

Automated summary

A superamphiphobic ceramic membrane with TiO2/SiC composite was prepared, exhibiting excellent water and oil repelling properties. The membrane showed low static oil adsorption capacity and high rejection rate, making it suitable for long-term oil filtration.