Electrospun nanofibrous membranes based sorbents for oil/water separation: Blends, composites, functionalized, and smart membranes – A mini review

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes (ENMs), composed of electrospun nanofibers (ENs), have emerged as promising candidates for oil sorption and oil/water separation due to their properties, including tailored hydrophobicity, oil sorption capacity, large surface area, controllable pore size, and ease of functionalization. This mini-review presents a state-of-the-art analysis of the latest progress in the fabrication of hydrophobic or superhydrophobic ENMs-based oil sorbets for oil-sorbing or oil-removing (OR) oil/water separation applications. The discussion encompasses the following categories of ENMs: the fabrication and performance of pristine hydrophobic polymer-based ENMs, polymer blend ENMs, and polymer composite ENMs incorporating various nanomaterials. Furthermore, post-modifications employed to enhance hydrophobicity are examined, with particular emphasis on oil sorption and oil/water separation. Although the aforementioned strategies are effective for oil/water separation, for challenging applications specific attention is directed toward smart membranes such as Janus ENMs, pH-responsive and thermo-responsive ENMs, which are suitable for dynamic and controlled oil/water separation. This review summarizes advancements in the field while also addressing apparent gaps and considerations for future research agendas concerning ENMs, focusing on the applicability of their functionalization in addressing global environmental issues such as oil spill and wastewater management.