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Clean Water, Fast: A New Way to Tackle Oily Waste

Tuesday, July 1, 2025
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A Breakthrough in Water Filtration Technology

Scientists have developed a groundbreaking membrane capable of rapidly and efficiently separating oil from water. This innovation addresses a significant challenge in various industries where oily wastewater is a common byproduct.

The Problem with Traditional Membranes

Current solutions often suffer from membrane fouling, where oil adheres to the membrane, reducing its effectiveness over time. The new membrane overcomes this issue with a unique design.

Innovative Material: Covalent Organic Framework (COF)

The membrane is constructed using a covalent organic framework (COF) applied to a base of polyacrylonitrile nanofibers. The COF layer is super hydrophilic, meaning it has a strong affinity for water, which helps repel oil.

Key Features of the New Membrane

  • High Hydrophilicity: Attracts water, repels oil.
  • Rigid Structure: Prevents deformation under pressure, stopping oil droplets from getting trapped.
  • 99.3% Oil Rejection Efficiency: Exceptionally high separation performance.
  • Zero Irreversible Fouling: Does not clog up over time.
  • Ultra-High Permeance: Filters large volumes of water quickly.

Potential Applications

This revolutionary membrane has the potential to transform industries that generate oily wastewater, including:

  • Oil and gas
  • Manufacturing
  • Food processing

A Step Forward in Environmental Protection

The development of this membrane represents a significant advancement in water purification technology, contributing to cleaner water and a healthier environment.

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