Recyclable textiles functionalized with reduced graphene Oxide@ZnO for removal of oil spills and dye pollutants

A novel recyclable and flexible membrane was prepared for the removal of oil spills and organic dye pollutants, by functionalizing polyester textiles with reduced graphene oxide@ZnO nanocomposites using a layer-by-layer technique. The membrane showed efficient water/oil separation, and the amount of oil adsorbed by the membrane could be up to 23 times its own weight. The adsorption capacity was largely retained during many adsorption recycling cycles. The membrane also displayed highly efficient removal of a dye pollutant from water under simulated sunlight. The membrane maintained a near-original removal efficiency after five cycles of dye removal. This new type of membrane may find practical applications in the large-scale separation of organic pollutants from water, particularly in the field of oil spills clean-up and dye removal from industrial effluent.