Continuous in Situ Extraction toward Multiphase Complex Systems Based on Superwettable Membrane with Micro-/Nanostructures

Liquid-phase extraction is widely used in the chemical industry. Traditional extracting routes always involve multiple procedures, need a large floor space, and have long operating time. “Continuous in situ extraction” that can conduct a real-time integration of solutes extraction and solvents separation simultaneously would be of great significance. Superwettable materials offer us a good choice to separate different immiscible solvents; herein, we achieve continuous in situ extraction of multiphase complex systems by using a porous polytetrafluoroethylene membrane with nanostructure-induced superwettability. It realizes a rapid, selective, and efficient real-time removal of various extracting agents during a continuous process due to their wetting differences. Compared with traditional extraction, our route shows a distinct superiority on saving operating time, enhancing liquid recovery, and simplifying procedures, while still retaining high extracting performance. In addition, our membrane possesses excellent durability even after long-term work in harsh chemical environments or under strong mechanical impacts. Thus, we believe that it will provide a potential alternative for current industrial extractions.