Inspired by the lotus leaf, a kind of superhydrophobic and oleophilic ceramic membrane was prepared through a simple ZnO nano sol coating and subsequent hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) grafting. The surface morphology and chemical composition analysis confirm the presence of HDTMS-ZnO coating on ceramic membrane surface. Contact angle tests confirm the superhydrophobic membrane surface. The prepared membranes also show stable performance for efficient dewatering of water-in-oil emulsions, which has potential practical value in industrial applications and environmental protection.