Synergistic hydrolysis, coordination and hydrogen bond interactions in NIPS for underwater superoleophobic mesh-based oil/water separation.

Abstract

Constructing a durable, high-flux, and fouling-resistant coating on metal meshes without compromising their structural integrity remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we report a novel non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) strategy that enables the synchronous occurrence of antimony trichloride hydrolysis, metal-polyphenol coordination, and PVP-TA hydrogen bonding during membrane formation, realizing collaborative interface engineering of membrane formation and functionalization in a single step. The synergistic effect leads to the <i>in situ</i> growth of a robust superhydrophilic network on the metal mesh without destroying the substrate. The resulting membrane achieves a high flux (8000 L m^-2 h^-1) under gravity, along with excellent underwater self-cleaning ability and chemical stability. This work provides an efficient, time-saving, and economical method to prepare high flux and underwater self-cleaning wire mesh oil-water separation membranes.