Advances in fabrication techniques and performance optimization of polymer membranes for enhanced industrial oil-water separation: A critical review

Among oil-water separation technologies, membrane processes are increasingly being recognized in terms of cost-effectiveness and simplicity, offering advantages like easy handling, energy efficiency, and small footprints to other available techniques. Notably, the membrane technology is environmentally friendly as it eliminates the need for additives that can enhance waste generation. Of significance, polymer membranes have attracted substantial attention from researchers due to their operational efficiency, versatility, affordability, and manufacturability. Despite the notable separation performance of polymer membranes, achieving a high total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency of >90 % is still challenging. In addition, fouling remains a significant barrier to commercialization, leading to a drastic decline in both filtrate flux and membrane selectivity. This comprehensive review covers various techniques and strategies employed to modify polymeric membranes, aiming to improve their transport and antifouling properties for oil-water separation applications. It encompasses a detailed discussion of different membrane modification methods, including physical and chemical approaches, to enhance membrane properties. In particular, this review emphasizes the techniques used to fabricate block copolymer (BCP)-based membranes at lab-scale and their potential promise for separation of oil and water. Elucidating the advances in modifying polymeric membranes and the subsequent improvements in filtration efficiency and longevity can offer valuable insights into the ongoing progress in membrane technology for oil-water separation applications.