What is it about?
This paper applies super wettability theory—specifically Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter wetting models—to engineer polysulfone membranes modified with nanocomposites and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). By evaluating surface roughness factors, functional groups, and contact angles, the study details how tuning nanoscale roughness and hydrophilic surface states drives strong hydrogen bonding with water to maximize permeability while completely repelling oil droplets during emulsion separation.
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Why is it important?
Oily industrial wastewater and oil spills pose major environmental threats, but standard filtration membranes rapidly foul when oil adheres to their surfaces. By implementing super wettability principles—such as underwater superoleophobicity—these MOF and nanocomposite membranes form a protective water film that lets water pass through effortlessly while preventing oil adhesion. This eliminates surface fouling, extends membrane lifespan, and dramatically reduces energy consumption in water remediation.
Perspectives
The authors show that optimizing separation performance requires balancing surface chemistry with nanoscale topography. Linking atomic and structural characterization (AFM, FESEM, FTIR, XRD) with wetting thermodynamics bridges fundamental surface science with functional membrane engineering. This provides a predictive framework for designing durable, anti-fouling membranes tailored for industrial-scale water purification.
Dr. Shankar Raman Dhanushkodi
University of British Columbia
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Applying super wettability theory to nanocomposite and MOF functional membranes for oil-water separation, Applied Surface Science Advances, September 2026, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.apsadv.2026.101046.
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