Rapid removal of small particle-sized microplastics utilizing superhydrophobic wood membranes

Microplastic pollution poses a significant threat to both ecosystems and human health, making the development of efficient and environmentally friendly removal methods critically important. Filtration has emerged as a primary technique for microplastic removal due to its operational convenience and high efficiency. However, most existing filter materials still do not meet industrial demands, particularly regarding their effectiveness in eliminating small particle-sized microplastics. To address these challenges, this study developed a superhydrophobic wood membrane with a water contact angle of 152.2° and a sliding angle of just 1.8°, achieved through impregnation modification with methyltrichlorosilane. This membrane exhibits an impressive removal efficiency of 99.6 % for microplastics smaller than 10 μm, and the removal efficiency remains largely unaffected by fluctuations in water flow rate (above 4 mL/s). Furthermore, the superhydrophobic wood membrane demonstrates excellent economic viability, stability, reusability, and environmental friendliness. Thus, this study offers an effective and sustainable solution to combat microplastic pollution, particularly for small particle-sized microplastics.