Nanostructured superior oil-adsorbent nanofiber composites using one-step electrospinning of polyvinylidene fluoride/nanocellulose

Developing highly efficient and convenient nanofiber composites toward oil adsorption is of great significance for the treatment of oily wastewater. Herein, a reusable, porous, and fiber composite is obtained via one-step fabrication method involving non-solvent-induced phase separation-assisted electrospinning of polyvinylidene fluoride/nanocellulose (PVDF/CNC). The incorporation of CNC significantly enhances the mechanical properties of the nanofiber composites. By adjusting the relative humidity, a large number of nano-micro spheres are generated on the surface of PVDF/CNC fibers, and porous structure formed inside the fibers are interconnected. Benefiting from this unique structure, the specific surface area of the composite is increased up to 12.22 m2 g−1, enabling adsorption capacity up to 73.04 g/g for engine oil. The adsorption capability of the nanofiber composite to toluene under high humidity retains over 95% after ten cycles. The one-step electrospinning manufacture of mechanically robust and highly porous PVDF/CNC nanofiber composites provides a new approach to develop high-performance nanofiber composite materials for adsorption and separation of oil-bearing wastewater.