Research Progress of Nanostructures in Oil-water Separation Materials

To address the challenges of oil-water separation in the environmental and industrial fields, hybrid nanostructured oil-water separation materials have emerged as an efficient and sustainable solution. By collaboratively combining multiple materials to create solid-liquid interfaces with special wettability, not only is the oil-water separation effect enhanced, but also multi-functional advantages such as self-cleaning, anti-fouling and antibacterial properties can be provided. This review focuses on the latest progress of oil-water separation materials with hybrid nanostructures and explores various nanostructures including: Metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanomaterials, silicon-based nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, polymeric materials, and porous framework materials (metal-organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks) were analyzed for their significant roles in creating super-wettable surfaces and achieving oil-water separation. These materials possess unique properties such as high specific surface area and adjustable wettability, all of which are key factors in enhancing separation efficiency. This review highlights the significance of nanomaterials in achieving higher separation efficiency and functional scalability, they play a key role in promoting the development of oil-water separation technology and the interdisciplinary innovative application of multifunctional materials.