Dynamic removal of n-hexane from water using nanocomposite membranes: Serial coating of para-aminobenzoate alumoxane, boehmite-epoxide and chitosan on Kevlar fabrics

• Novel nanocomposite membranes were prepared through dip coating technique.
• Three different nano-materials were serially coated on the Kevlar surface.
• The performance of the membranes in oil–water separation was satisfactory.
• The majority of fouling occurred as gel layer on the membrane surface.
• Membranes were readily regenerated and reused via hot water and HCl solution.

Nanocomposite membranes were fabricated by dip-coating technique. Para-aminobenzoate alumoxane, boehmite–epoxide and chitosan were consecutively coated on the Kevlar fabric surface. The membranes were utilized for removing n-hexane from water using a gravity-driven dead-end filtration setup. UV–vis, FTIR and SEM analyses were performed for characterization. Water affinity analyses revealed highly hydrophilic nature of the modified membranes. Effect of pH was examined with the pH 2 providing the best condition for oil–water separation. Maximum flux and rejection were obtained as 1128 L m−2 h−1) and 94%, respectively. Deposited oil layer was effectively removed from the membrane surface using hot citric acid solution.