Electrospun fibers for oil–water separation

Abstract

The increasing worldwide oil pollution intensifies the needs for new techniques of separation of oil from oily water. Separation by the use of electrospun fibers with selective oil/water absorption is a relatively new but highly promising technique. Owing to their highly specific surface areas, interconnected nanoscale pore structures and the potential to incorporate active chemistry on a nanoscale surface, electrospun fibers have become a promising versatile platform for the separation of oil/water mixtures and emulsions. In this review, after a short introduction to the imperative for oil/water separation and electrospinning technique, we will focus on superhydrophobic/superoleophilic electrospun fibers for oil/water separation, including the preparation of electrospun fibers with superhydrophobic/superoleophilic surfaces, and superhydrophobic/superoleophilic fibrous membranes for oil absorption and oil filtration. Further, superoleophobic/superhydrophilic electrospun fibers and their application for oil–water separation will be discussed as well. Finally, conclusions about this review will be presented while addressing remaining problems and future challenges.