Biopolymer-based membranes: green technologies for the separation of oil-water mixtures and the reduction of oil pollution

Purification of water resources from petroleum products is one of the most important ways of preserving the environment on Earth. Green technologies and eco-friendly materials have received increased interest from researchers. Here, we describe aerogel and textile biopolymer-based membranes for the separation of different oil-water mixtures. Methods of obtaining, the properties of hydrophilic and hydrophobic membranes are presented. Hydrophilic textile membranes can separate oil-water mixtures according to the principles of water filtration and are characterized by a higher water flux than aerogel membranes. The properties of cotton textile membranes with high hydrophilicity modified by polysaccharide microgels (Biomicrogels (R)) under the trademark Spilltex (R) are presented. The flow of purified water through the membrane is more than 4 times higher than that for similar membranes. The ecological impact of oil utilization technologies in oil-water mixtures is described. The influence of decomposition, evaporation, biodegradation, and combustion of petroleum products on environmental pollution is considered. The use of membranes in oil production via water purification from hydrocarbons can reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Automated summary

Purification of water resources from petroleum products is crucial for environmental preservation. This article discusses the use of aerogel and textile biopolymer membranes to separate oil-water mixtures, presenting the methods and properties of hydrophilic and hydrophobic membranes. It also highlights the advantages of hydrophilic textile membranes modified by polysaccharide microgels. The utilization of membranes in oil production can effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions.