Advancements and Future Perspectives in Oil–Water Membrane Technology

This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the advancements and future directions in oil–water membrane technology, a critical solution for addressing environmental challenges associated with wastewater treatment and oil pollution. The review focuses on various membrane technologies employed in oil–water separation, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration, highlighting their effectiveness and operational mechanisms. It discusses key challenges encountered by these technologies, such as membrane fouling, high operational costs, and limitations in large‐scale applications, which hinder their broader adoption. The paper further examines the characteristics of oil–water membranes, including hydrophilicity, oleophobicity, pore size, and surface roughness, which are crucial in determining separation efficiency. Commonly used materials for developing oil–water filtration membranes are also explored, encompassing polymeric, ceramic, and hybrid materials, with a focus on innovations that enhance performance and sustainability. Additionally, the evaluation of membrane performance is addressed through metrics such as flux, rejection rate, and fouling resistance, offering insights into their suitability for various applications. The review also investigates the parameters varied during oil–water filtration, such as pressure and temperature, and their impact on membrane efficiency and durability. This paper is aimed at providing a roadmap for future research and development in oil–water membrane technology, emphasizing the need for durable, fouling‐resistant membrane designs and the exploration of cost‐effective materials (such as quartz‐based media) to meet global water treatment demands.