Facile preparation of metal-polyphenol coordination complex coated PVDF membrane for oil/water emulsion separation

Owing to the complex application environments, designing and fabricating emulsion separation membrane via facile preparation method with high separation efficiency and superior chemical stability are necessary. Herein, the TA-Ti@PVDF composite membranes via facile layer-by-layer self-assembly process with the merits of low-cost and eco-friendly have been reported. The property of TA-Ti@PVDF composite membrane can be regulated via changing the times of coating process, shows great experimental flexibility and practicability. Additionally, the separation efficiency of prepared membrane is as high as 99.35%, and the permeation flux is 689.6 L m^-2h⁻¹ bar⁻¹. Most importantly, the prepared TA-Ti@PVDF composite membrane exhibits superior chemical stability (acid/alkali/salt resistance) and outstanding underwater oil repellence property. The separation efficiency of the composite membrane which treated by acid/alkali solutions are all above 97.39%. Generally, the low-cost and eco-friendly TA-Ti@PVDF composite membrane via facile coating process is appropriate for oily water treatment in the practical complicated environment, and possesses great potential in oil/water emulsion separation.