A photocatalyst coupled amphiphobic membrane with enhanced antifouling and self-regenerating properties for oily aerosol filtration

Oily aerosols as the most adhesive particles in the air can cause irreversible fouling of filters. Amphiphobic surface of filters can to some extent reduce membrane fouling, but complex oil fouling will still adhere to the membrane surface, leading to a decrease in membrane separation performance over long-term use. Herein, a silicon carbide (SiC) membrane with amphiphobic properties and catalytic functions was developed to collaboratively combat pollution. Low surface free energy 1H,1H,2H,2H perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (FOTS) monomer and TiO₂ nanoparticles were individually applied to the SiC membrane. PDMS was utilized to protect the monomer from degradation by the catalyst. The membrane exhibits good anti-adhesion and photocatalysis performance for oily aerosols. The membrane exhibits excellent oily aerosol filtration efficiency (98.6 %) with a comparative low filtration resistance of 6.4 kPa, as well as a high capacity for regeneration. Under UV light, the membrane can degrade oily fouling to recover its amphiphobic property. After 5 cycles of filtration, it still maintains good repeatability for oily matter separation and degradation. This study offers a practical approach to designing a membrane that enables long-term and efficient cleaning of oily aerosols.