In-situ self-assembly inverse beetle-like superhydrophobic ZIF-67-superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic membrane with efficient demulsification


Wu K., Xu J., Jiang Y., Jiang Y., YÜREKLİ Y., Yue X., ...Daha Fazla

Chemical Engineering Journal, cilt.529, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 529
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.cej.2026.172913
  • Dergi Adı: Chemical Engineering Journal
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Demulsification, Inverse beetle-like structure, Wood, ZIF-67
  • Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

The superwetting materials inspired by the desert beetle's back for emulsified oily wastewater treatment, rooted in their selective separation and asymmetric wettability, are countered by the persistent barriers of inadequate permeation and membrane fouling. An internal inverse beetle-like architecture, comprising parallel wood microchannels and cell wall-embedded ZIF-67 particles, facilitates simultaneous vertical permeation and enhanced droplet coalescence for demulsification. This unique “in-channel” architecture enables active demulsification, as the ZIF-67 bumps promote coalescence of oil droplets during flow transport, effectively converting stable emulsions into readily separable mixtures, and avoiding internal membrane fouling. The resulting ZIF-67/PPy@wood membrane achieves outstanding separation for both surfactant-stabilized (>99.65%, ~9374 L m−2 h−1) and surfactant-free (>99.7%, ~10,755 L m−2 h−1) emulsions under gravity, while uniquely inducing clear oil-water phase stratification. It also separates immiscible oil-water mixtures with >99.85% efficiency and a flux of ~12,600 L m−2 h−1. The membrane demonstrates excellent recyclability and antifouling performance, largely due to its in-channel demulsification and phase-separation capability, representing a significant step toward practical and sustainable oily wastewater treatment.