The membrane separation is a promising way for the treatment and reuse of oily wastewater. The membrane material plays a key role in the oil/water membrane separation and its surface/interfacial morphologies and physiochemical characteristics are responsible for the separation efficiency and the lifespan of the membrane. This paper reviews the recent advances in the design and the modulation of oil/water separation membrane surfaces and interfaces. The effects of the membrane surface chemistry and morphology on the membrane separation performances are summarized. The scientific fundamentals of the surface/interfacial design, the construction of the hydrophobic surface and the hydrophilic inversion, the preparation of the superhydrophilic surface and the stimuli- responsive membrane are discussed in detail. Some unsolved problems in oil/water separation materials and membrane techniques e.g. the development of the antifouling and chemically stable membrane materials, the thermally tolerant membranes, and the demulsification technique are addressed. Finally, the directions of further studies are proposed.

oil/water separation membranes  /  surfaces and interfaces  /  superhydrophilic  /  antifouling