Li, B., Qu, C., Wang, S., Yeo, J. C. C., Surat’man, N. E. B., Loh, X. J., Li, Z., Chung, T.-S. (2024). Closed-loop recyclable dynamic covalent crosslinked nanofibrous membranes for efficient oil/water separation. Journal of Membrane Science, 693, 122378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.memsci.2023.122378
Abstract:
The effective separation of oil from oily wastewater is a critical endeavor due to the escalating global issue of oil pollution. Nanofibrous membranes have attracted significant attention in this realm, owing to their remarkable porosity and favorable surface-to-volume ratio. However, a prevailing concern lies in their unstable morphology at the micro/nano-scale, and the absence of viable recycling options upon reaching the end of their service life. For the first time, we present the development of closed-loop recyclable dynamic covalent crosslinked nanofibrous membranes (DCCNMs) with superior chemical stability, high porosity and hydrophobicity, rendering them highly efficient for oil/water separation. By combining dynamic covalent chemistry and membrane technology, the contaminated nanofibrous membranes can be closed-loop recycled by means of de-crosslinking to remove the accumulated contaminants. Subsequently, the de-crosslinked polymer can be electrospun and refabricated into new nanofibrous membranes via the thermally reversible Diels-Alder reaction. This study not only addresses the existing gaps in closed-loop recycling strategies for nanofibrous membranes but also provides insights and inspiration for the advancement of sustainable oil/water separation.
License type:
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)
Funding Info:
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - RIE2025 Manufacturing, Trade and Connectivity (MTC) Programmatic Funding
Grant Reference no. : M22K9b0049
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - AME Young Individual Research Grants (YIRG)
Grant Reference no. : A2084c0168
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - Career Development Fund – Seed Project 2022
Grant Reference no. : C222812032
This research / project is supported by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) - RIE2025 manufacturing, trade and connectivity (MTC) Young Individual Research Grants (YIRG)
Grant Reference no. : M22K3c0103