High flux polyaniline-coated ceramic membrane for effective separation of emulsified oil-in-water

Oil separation from oily wastewater is critical for environmental sustainability. In the present study, we report for the first time the facile fabrication of high flux polyaniline-modified ceramic membrane to effectively separate emulsified oil. Aniline was rapidly polymerized in a single step on alumina ceramic support using different monomer concentrations. It was revealed that the alumina membrane modified with 1.0 M aniline monomer is suitable for separating oil/water emulsions with an exceptionally high permeance of 3451 L m−2.h−1 (L.M.H.) and high separating efficiency. The polyaniline-coated alumina membranes appeared superhydrophilic/superoleophobic w ith negligible fouling behavior. The modified membranes demonstrate a steady oil rejection flux after several cycles with excellent oil-rejection of 97%. The high flux, low operating pressure, and antifouling behavior revealed that these modified membranes are excellent candidates for emulsified-oil separation.