Gas-switchable carbon nanotube/polymer hybrid membrane for separation of oil-in-water emulsions

Abstract

A gas responsive hybrid membrane is fabricated by surface-grafting PDEAEMA on carbon nanotubes. The reversable surface wettabilites switch from hydrophobic to hydrophilic by the introduction of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases. These can be utilized for oil/water and oil/water emulsion separations. The switchable characteristics of the CNT/PDEAEMA membrane can effectively prevent membrane clogging.