BACKGROUND Novel hybrid absorption coupled with membrane filtration technology is proposed for the recovery of oil from produced water. This study aims at developing a low cost superhydrophobic-superoleophilic kaolin-based hollow fiber ceramic membrane using phase inversion and sintering technique for the recovery of oil from synthetic produced water. The influence of different organosialanes, such as methyltriethoxysilane (MTES), octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTMS), 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (FAS), trichloro(octadecyl)silane, and chlorotrimethylsilane, was investigated for the modification process. RESULTS Field emission scanning electron microscopy results clearly indicated that membrane morphology was altered with coating of the organosilanes. The surface functionality of the organosilanes on kaolin membranes was also confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. From the atomic force microscopy studies, membrane surface roughness was observed to be higher for MTES, FAS, and OTMS coated kaolin membranes. Contact analysis show that the membranes coated with MTES, FAS and OTMS organosilane agents possessed superhydrophobicity of 161.3 degrees, 155.6 degrees, and 150.2 degrees as well as superoleophilicity of 0 degrees, 1.5 degrees, and 2.3 degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION Crude oil with a concentration of 2 g L(-1)displayed a higher oil flux of 80 L m(-2)h(-1)and absorption of 90% for MTES coated kaolin membrane. This study extends the frontier of knowledge in ceramic membrane application for produced water treatment. (c) 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)