Stretchable, electrically conductive and superhydrophobic/superoleophilic nanofibrous membrane with a hierarchical structure for efficient oil/water separation

A flexible, stretchable and electrically conductive nanofiber composite with superhydrophobicity was fabricated by ultrasonication induced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) decoration onto the polymer nanofiber, followed by methyltrichlorosilane (MTS) modification. The introduction of CNTs and polysiloxane derived from MTS improved the superhydrophobicity, conductivity, thermal stability and mechanical properties of the nanofibrous membrane. The superhydrophobicity and electrical conductivity could be maintained during the cyclic stretching. The nanofiber composite membrane could be utilized to separate the oil from the oil/water mixture regardless of pH of water, exhibiting a large flux, high efficiency and good recyclability.