Construction of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers based superhydrophobic membrane for effective oil-water separation

Lignin-containing cellulose nanofibers prepared from sugarcane bagasse was used as the substrate to fabricate the superhydrophobic membrane for oil-water separation. The superhydrophobic membrane with a water contact angle of 159.5° was obtained by a facile dipping method based on triclorocadadecylsilane (OTS). The lignin retained in the membrane not only enhanced the hydrophobicity of the membrane, but also contributed to the performance of oil-water separation. When the content of lignin reached 17.53 %, the separation efficiencies of the membrane for diesel and dichloromethane could reach 96 % and 86 %, respectively. Meanwhile, the membrane also showed good oil separation flux up to 716.4 L/(m2·h) for dichloromethane, and good recyclability, presenting a promising oil adsorbent in oil spill recovery and environmental protection. [Display omitted] •The presence of lignin improves the hydrophobicity and oil adsorption capacity of the CNF based membrane.•The LCNFs based superhydrophobic membrane was used for oil-water separation.•LCNFs based superhydrophobic membrane showed remarkable flux and efficiency in continuous separation.•The membrane retained excellent oil-water separation performance after multiple reuses.