In the quest for sustainable and efficient solutions to manage oily kitchen wastewater, a team of researchers led by Mamadou Souare at the National Engineering Laboratory for Biomass Power Generation Equipment, School of New Energy, North China Electric Power University, has developed an innovative membrane that could revolutionize the energy and wastewater treatment sectors. Published in the journal *Membranes*, the study introduces a carbonized dual-layer balsa wood membrane designed to separate oil from water with remarkable efficiency, offering a promising alternative to conventional methods that often rely on toxic chemicals or synthetic processes.
The membrane’s unique structure combines a hydrophilic longitudinal layer for water transport with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-impregnated carbonized transverse layer to enhance hydrophobicity. This dual-layer design not only boosts separation efficiency but also significantly reduces fouling, a common issue that diminishes performance and increases resource loss in traditional systems. “The key to our success lies in the selective wettability of the membrane,” explains Souare. “The carbonized side repels water, while the hydrophilic side attracts it, creating a highly efficient separation process.”
The results are impressive: the membrane achieves a high permeation flux of 1176.86 Lm⁻² h⁻¹ and a separation efficiency of 98.60%, maintaining low fouling resistance (<3%) over 20 cycles. Mechanical tests further reveal robust properties, with a tensile strength of 10.92 MPa and a fracture elongation of 10.42%. Wettability measurements show a 144° contact angle and a 7° sliding angle with water on the carbonized side, and a 163.7° contact angle with oil underwater and a 5° sliding angle on the hydrophilic side, demonstrating excellent selective wettability. The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As the demand for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment grows, this innovative membrane could play a crucial role in reducing environmental impact and improving resource recovery. "This technology has the potential to be scaled up for large-scale wastewater treatment, offering a sustainable and effective solution," says Souare. The study highlights the potential of carbonized wood-based membranes as a viable alternative to conventional methods, paving the way for future developments in the field. As the world continues to seek sustainable solutions, this research offers a glimpse into the future of wastewater treatment, where innovative materials and processes can make a significant difference. With further development and commercialization, the carbonized dual-layer balsa wood membrane could become a cornerstone in the quest for cleaner and more efficient energy and wastewater management.