Recent progress in electrospun nanofibrous membranes for oil/water separation

Membrane separation technology has been considered as the most promising approach for effectively treating oily wastewater and oil-contaminated water due to its flexibility in operation and high efficiency. Among various techniques for the membrane fabrication, electrospinning with advantages of ease in mass production and potential incorporation of other functional materials on the nanoscale surface has gained widespread interest for the preparation of novel nanofibrous membranes with selective wettability, rational pore structure and high specific surface area. Numerous superantiwetting or superwetting electrospun nanofibrous membranes with good oil/water separation performance have been extensively reported in recent decades. In this review, the recent progress in the state-of-the-art electrospun nanofibrous membranes including superhydrophobic membranes, superhydrophilic membranes and intelligent membranes is highlighted and discussed, followed by challenges and perspectives presented on the potential application of electrospun nanofibrous membranes in the separation of oil/water emulsions. This review article would provide an in-depth insight into fabrication strategies of more effective electrospun nanofibrous membranes for the oil/water separation process.