Vapor Permeability Research Articles

Enhancing industrial wastewater treatment: Magnetite-embedded matrix membrane for efficient tetrahydrofuran separation by pervaporation and vapor permeation techniques

The treatment of industrial wastewater is crucial for recovering water of high purity, especially considering its significance in mitigating environmental pollution and ensuring sustainable water resources. This study focuses on the purification of industrial wastewater, emphasizing the separation of tetrahydrofuran (THF) from aqueous solutions using membrane-based techniques. Composite membranes incorporating magnetic nanomaterial (magnetite) within a sodium alginate matrix were synthesized and evaluated for their effectiveness in purifying water from THF mixtures. Both Pervaporation (PV) and Vapor Permeation (VP) processes were employed, with thorough analysis conducted on the impact of magnetite content on permeate purity. The study identified optimal magnetite content for industrial wastewater treatment and developed a new membrane composition based on these findings. The VP process’s performance was evaluated by determining the permeation flux and separation factor. The highest separation factor of 460 was obtained for an 80% wt. THF-water solution in the VP process. Using these findings, the optimal magnetite content for industrial wastewater treatment was identified, and a new membrane composition was developed. The activation energies for the permeation of THF through the NaAlg-Fe20 membrane were found to be 10.50 kcal/mol and 7 kcal/mol for the VP and PV processes, respectively.

Comparative Study of Polymer of Intrinsic Microporosity-Derivative Polymers in Pervaporation and Water Vapor Permeance Applications

This study assesses the gas and water vapor permeance of PIM-derivative thin-film composite (TFC) membranes using pervaporation and “pressure increase” methods, and provides a comparative view of “time lag” measurements of thick films obtained from our previous work. In this study, TFC membranes were prepared using PIM-1 and homopolymers that were modified with different side groups to explore their effects on gas and water vapor transport. Rigid and bulky aliphatic groups were used to increase the polymer’s free volume and were evaluated for their impact on both gas and water transport. Aromatic side groups were specifically employed to assess water affinity. The permeance of CO2, H2, CH4 and water vapor through these membranes was analyzed using the ‘pressure increase’ method to determine the modifications’ influence on transport efficiency and interaction with water molecules. Over a 20 h period, the aging and the permeance of the TFC membranes were analyzed using this method. In parallel, pervaporation experiments were conducted on samples taken independently from the same membrane roll to assess water flux, with particular attention paid to the liquid form on the feed side. The significantly higher water vapor transport rates observed in pervaporation experiments compared to those using the “pressure increase” method underline the efficiency of pervaporation. This efficiency suggests that membranes designed for pervaporation can serve as effective alternatives to conventional porous membranes used in distillation applications. Additionally, incorporating “time lag” results from a pioneering study into the comparison revealed that the trends observed in “time lag” and pervaporation results exhibited similar trends, whereas “pressure increase” data showed a different development. This discrepancy is attributed to the state of the polymer, which varies significantly depending on the operating conditions.

Electrospun nanofiber-supported thin-film composite membrane by introducing graphene oxide interlayer for water vapor/N2 separation

In response to the increasing challenge of global water scarcity, the need for alternative water resources has become increasingly critical. Membrane technologies for water vapor separation have emerged as promising approaches for water recovery and reuse. In this study, a polyethersulfone electrospun nanofiber-supported thin-film composite (eTFC) membrane structure with graphene oxide (GO) interlayer, specifically designed for water vapor/N2 separation was introduced. The interlayer was fabricated by controlling the deposition of GO on the electrospun nanofiber substrate. Subsequently, the thin-film was formed through interfacial polymerization using trimesoyl chloride and piperazine as monomers. All the prepared membranes were characterized using analytical techniques. Their water vapor separation performance was evaluated under different water activity conditions and compared to commercial membrane with similar average pore size. The optimized Gi-eTFC (with a GO interlayer of 0.4 mg) exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity, superior water vapor permeance of 3817 GPU, and a relatively high water vapor/N2 selectivity of 115, under conditions of 80 % relative humidity, 1 bar pressure, and a temperature of 30 °C. Gi-eTFC membranes with an optimized GO interlayer showed uniform and successful polyamide active-layer formation, confirming that the introduction of the GO interlayer and the use of nanofibers had a synergistic effect on improving water vapor separation performance.

Hollow fibers with encapsulated ionic liquid for gas dehydration

Membrane technology is a viable alternative for achieving energy savings and sustainability, particularly in dehydration applications. The selective removal of water vapor from gas mixtures by membranes enhances the process efficiency furthermore the industry increasingly prioritizes resource conservation and environmental impact, advancements in membrane technology are crucial for meeting these goals and driving progress toward a sustainable future. Our approach consists of the incorporation of a proline amino acid-based ionic liquid encapsulated in carbon capsules, dispersed in a Pebax®1657 matrix, and coated on polyetherimide hollow fibers. The filled capsules have high sorption capacity for both water vapor and carbon dioxide (CO2) contributing for successful exploration for air dehumidification, as well as flue gas, natural gas and biogas dehydration. The membranes had exceptional water vapor permeance, reaching values up to approximately 10,000 GPU while maintaining an H2O/N2 selectivity of around 124,000. CO2/N2 selectivity as high as 100 and promising results for CH4 purification were demonstrated. Long-term studies using alternative modules to prevent saturation of the encapsulated capsules with water vapor and effective regeneration have been proven.

Effect of dispersions on vapour permeation resistance of acrylic sealants

Currently, acrylic sealants are widespread due to their environmentally friendly materials, ease of use, and low cost. Their compositions are constantly being improved. It allows ones to improve their quality and reduce the cost by selecting new substances for their manufacture. We obtained acrylic sealants with changing polymer base. The authors used acrylic and styrene acrylic dispersions obtained by emulsion polymerisation. The basis for sealants production is the mechanical mixing of the components and their further dispersion in the Dispermat VLOK dissolver. The main parameter to be determined is the vapour permeability resistance of the material layer. According to research results, the nature of the polymer base, degree of its bonding, type and amount of the filler used affected on vapour permeability of the sealing material. Moreover, increasing in film former temperature, viscosity, and pH causes increasing in tensile strength. By comparing the sealant samples on the basis of dry residue, we found increasing of the Shore hardness in samples with lower % index.

Influence of copper ion cross-linked CMC-PVA film on cell viability and cell proliferation study

In this study, films composed of carboxymethyl cellulose and polyvinyl alcohol were fabricated using the solution casting method. Citric acid (4 %) was employed as a cross-linking agent, while glycerol (3 %) as a plasticizer. Cupric chloride (CuCl2·2H2O) was used for cross-linking at concentrations 0.5 %, 1 %, and 3 % over different times. The cross-linking with copper ions led to a noticeable reduction in elasticity, with the breaking strain ranging from 17.9 %–52.9 %. The ion hydration phenomenon increased the contact angle and swelling ratio. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed esterification reactions and copper ion cross-linking with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na-CMC). The films showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The ion-released mechanism followed was the non-Fickian super case-II type. The concentration and duration of cross-linking significantly influenced cell viability and proliferation. FE-SEM analysis revealed that effective concentrations of CuCl2.2H2O were 0.5 % and 1 %, and cross-linking times were 5–15 min, facilitating cell attachment and proliferation. Films are non-adhesive with water vapor permeation 800–900 g/m2/day. These results indicate the potential use of the films in treating second-degree burn wounds with low to medium exudate levels. This study provides valuable insights into the development of copper-infused materials for advanced wound healing applications.

Numerical Modeling of Water Transport in a Microporous Layer-Coated Porous Transport Layer for a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyzer with an Interdigitated Flow Field for Internal Gas-Liquid Separation

A novel design for interdigitated flow fields in polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers has been developed for both ground and space applications. This design separates oxygen and liquid water internally, eliminating the need for water circulators to remove bubbles and external gas-liquid separators with buoyancy. The capillary pressure in the hydrophobic microporous layer (MPL) of the anode porous transport layer facilitates internal separation of oxygen gas and pressurized liquid water. A finite element model (COMSOL Multiphysics) simulates water transport in the MPL, while electrochemical impedance spectra determine the electrochemical kinetic parameters for the model. The model takes into account the oxygen bubble coverage of the cathode, liquid water saturation in the MPL, and the current ratio between liquid water and water vapor at the MPL-cathode layer interface. The vapor from liquid water in the MPL is modeled to mix with oxygen for diffusion. A volumetric water evaporation rate as a linear function of liquid water saturation in the MPL is assumed, where the rate constant is estimated from vapor permeation tests.

Numerical Modeling of Water Transport in a Microporous Layer-Coated Porous Transport Layer for a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Water Electrolyzer with an Interdigitated Flow Field for Internal Gas-Liquid Separation

A novel design for interdigitated flow fields in polymer electrolyte membrane electrolyzers has been developed for both ground and space applications. This design separates oxygen and liquid water internally, eliminating the need for water circulators to remove bubbles and external gas-liquid separators with buoyancy. The capillary pressure in the hydrophobic microporous layer (MPL) of the anode porous transport layer facilitates internal separation of oxygen gas and pressurized liquid water. A finite element model (COMSOL Multiphysics) simulates water transport in the MPL, while electrochemical impedance spectra determine the electrochemical kinetic parameters for the model. The model takes into account the oxygen bubble coverage of the cathode, liquid water saturation in the MPL, and the current ratio between liquid water and water vapor at the MPL-cathode layer interface. The vapor from liquid water in the MPL is modeled to mix with oxygen for diffusion. A volumetric water evaporation rate as a linear function of liquid water saturation in the MPL is assumed, where the rate constant is estimated from vapor permeation tests.

A Mini Review on the Opportunities for Membrane Pervaporation Technology for Energy-efficient Removal of Dispersed Oil and Dissolved Hydrocarbons from Produced Water

Produced water is reported to have the largest volume of waste stream associated with hydrocarbon recovery. It was estimated to increase from 250 million B/D in 2007 to more than 300 million B/D between 2010 and 2012. Market research conducted by Adroit put the globally produced water treatment market at a value of USD 5.10 billion in 2022. This value is anticipated to be USD 9.80 billion in 2032 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.80% over the prediction period. Oil and gas companies have been mandated to comply with the newly enacted environmental regulations that require extensive treatment of this water before discharge or reuse. The limited quantity of freshwater resources coupled with the increasing oil and gas production activities has made it necessary for all stakeholders to look for sustainable management of this water. Presently, a certain percentage of produced water is reused while the rest is discharged into the ocean. In both cases, the water needs to be thoroughly treated. The choice of technologies for produced water treatment depends on numerous factors, such as the chemical composition of the water and the level of purity that must be attained before disposal, recycling, or re-use. Some of the technologies used for produced water treatment include physical separation methods such as gravity, adsorption, filtration, coalescence, cyclones, flotation, centrifuges, membranes, and oxidation. There are also chemical and biological separation methods. Contaminants such as small droplets of dispersed oil and dissolved hydrocarbons (DODHs) are very challenging to remove using the above-listed water treatment technologies. Moreover, the use of membrane technology has been limited only to the use of reverse osmosis and membrane filtration for removing salinity, metals, and other inorganics. This article highlights the opportunities for the use of membrane vapor permeation and pervaporation for the removal of the small droplets of DODHs, which have been reported to be very challenging contaminants to remove. The use of 3D printing technology for the fabrication of membrane materials was reviewed. The 3D membrane development method can be used to fabricate almost any shape of the material in a highly customized manner using computer-aided design. The information presented in this article will serve as a useful reference for the technologies used for a sustainable water treatment strategy in the oil and gas industry.

A large-area MOF-based membrane for challenging CO2 purification and ethanol/CO2/N2 ternary mixture separation

Bioethanol has garnered widespread attention as a potential substitute for traditional fossil fuels. Focusing on the treatment of bioethanol fermentation exhaust is crucial for optimizing bioethanol recovery and achieving carbon dioxide (CO2) purification. This study successfully achieved the large-scale synthesis of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (LSZIF-8), which was then incorporated into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to fabricate large-area ZIF-8/PDMS/PVDF mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) for bioethanol recovery from fermentation exhaust via vapor permeation (VP) processes. The ZIF-8/PDMS/PVDF MMMs exhibited a 1.5-time increase in ethanol permeability and selectivity improved by 1.7 times compared to the PDMS/PVDF membrane. The mass transport behavior of ethanol and CO2 molecules within the membrane, as well as examining the interactions between different components was systematically explored. It delves into the disparities in separation performance between PDMS/PVDF membrane and ZIF-8/PDMS/PVDF MMMs with nitrogen (N2), water vapor as the third component. Notably, high-quality LSZIF-8 crystals serves as a crucial source of raw materials for the continuous preparation of high-performance MMMs, addressing the limitation of traditional nanoparticle fillers in terms of scalability for production. This study paving new avenues for purifying fermentation exhaust and recovering bioethanol, while simultaneously present significant potential for industrial applications.

Vapour permeation characteristics of aliphatic alcohols through PVA/PVC thin films

Nonsolvent induced phase separation (NIPS) method using NMP/water system was adopted to prepare PVA/PVC thin films and were characterized by FTIR & FE-SEM analysis. Mechanical strength measurements indicated that an optimum composition of PVA/PVC has maximum tensile strength and might be due to the intercalation of viscous PVA into the stiff PVC matrix. Degree of swelling (DS) and water contact angle (WCA) measurements showed greater wettability of the films with increasing PVA content as is revealed from the higher film porosity and diminished contact angle. Pure water flux (PWF) and mean pore size were studied to determine the water permeation capacity of the film. Vapour permeability of various films was evaluated by using three different aliphatic alcohols viz. Methanol, ethanol and propanol. Barrier property and selectivity in permeation were studied for a particular PVA/PVC composition with moderate number and size of the pores which exhibited minimum permeation capacity.

Exploring the feasibility of biodegradable films for antimicrobial absorbent sachets and CO2 emitters as sustainable active packaging

The use of biodegradable polymer films for packaging materials as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics is limited by their water sensitivity and poor gas barrier properties. This study developed a multifunctional supplemental packaging system using poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) and thermoplastic starch (TPS) blend film incorporated with 3% and 5% zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The system targets the triple-active packaging displayed antimicrobial activity with water absorption and CO2 emission properties. ZnO incorporation effectively reduced water solubility of the PBAT/TPS film (from 16% to 7%), and exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (>99% reduction). Well-dispersed ZnO, verified by scanning electron microscopy, decreased water vapor and CO2 gas permeation. A PBAT/TPS-ZnO sachet was fabricated, comprising carboxymethyl cellulose as the absorbent function and CO2 precursors (sodium bicarbonate and citric acid). The 3% ZnO loading achieved optimal performance, balancing water absorption (2.48 g weight gain after 144 h) and CO2 emission (35% in headspace at equilibrium). Kinetic studies suggested diffusion as the dominant mechanism for CO2 release, driven by concentration differences between the sachet and headspace. This system showed potential as active modified atmosphere packaging to extend product shelf life.

Characterization of anisotropic pore structure and dense selective layer of capillary membranes for long-term ECMO by cross-sectional ion-milling method.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2023, extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (ECMO) has attracted considerable attention worldwide. It is expected that ECMO with long-term durability is put into practical use in order to prepare for next emerging infectious diseases and to facilitate manufacturing for novel medical devices. Polypropylene (PP) and polymethylpentene (PMP) capillary membranes are currently the mainstream for gas exchange membrane for ECMO. ECMO support days for COVID-19-related acute hypoxemic respiratory failure have been reported to be on average for 14 or 24days. It is necessary to improve opposing functions such that promoting the permeation of oxygen and carbon dioxide and inhibiting the permeation of water vapor or plasma to develop sufficient durability for long-term use. For this purpose, accurately controlling the anisotropy of the pore structure of the entire cross section and functions of capillary membrane is significant. In this study, we focused on the cross-sectional ion-milling (CSIM) method, to precisely clarify the pore structure of the entire cross section of capillary membrane for ECMO, because there is less physical stress on the porous structure applied during the preparation of cross-sectional samples of porous capillary membranes. We attempted to observe the cross sections of commercially available PMP membranes using the CSIM method. As a result, we succeeded in fabricating fine-scale flat cross-sectional samples of PMP capillary membranes. The pore structures and the degree of anisotropy of the cross sections are quantitatively clarified. The achievements and the approaches of this study are being applied to the development of next-generation gas exchange membranes.

Novel hydroxyl-terminated hyperbranched polymer as a synergistic modifier with tannin for preparation of casein-based films with superior performance

A hyperbranched poly (titanium oxide) (HBPTi) with hydroxyl terminal groups was synthesized via polycondensation reaction as a synergistic modifier with tannin to promote performance of casein-based composite film. The synergistic effects of HBPTis, acquiring different hyperbranched structures, with tannin on the microstructure, mechanical characteristics, barrier against water vapor, and thermal stability of casein-based film were investigated in this work. The tensile strength of the composite films increased from 7.6 MPa to 22.1 MPa, which accounts for 190.79 % increase after the addition of HBPTi compared to casein-tannin films modified with glycerol. The casein-tannin films with the help of HBPTi presented excellent water vapor permeation, thermal stability, and showed nearly 100 % UV absorption in the range 200–400 nm. Additionally, the microstructure of HBPTi modified casein-tannin films tend to be more compact due to the promoted interaction of casein-tannin composite aided by covalent bonding and/or other types of bonding between casein, tannin and HBPTi. Therefore, associative modification using such hyperbranched polymers and tannins provides extendable application value for casein-based films especially as food packaging materials and for other fields as well.

A High-Quality Mixed Matrix Membrane with Nanosheets Assembled and Uniformly Dispersed Fillers for Ethanol Recovery.

A high-quality filler within mixed matrix membranes, coupled with uniform dispersity, endows a high-efficiency transfer pathway for the significant improvement on separation performance. In this work, a zeolite-typed MCM-22 filler is reported that is doped into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix by ultrafast photo-curing technique. The unique structure of nanosheets assembly layer by layer endows the continuous transfer channels towards penetrate molecules because of the inter-connective nanosheets within PDMS matrix. Furthermore, an ultrafast freezing effect produced by fast photo-curing is used to overcome the key issue, namely filler aggregation, and further eliminates defects. When pervaporative separating a 5 wt% ethanol aqueous solution, the resulting MCM-22/PDMS membrane exhibits an excellent membrane flux of 1486g m-2 h-1 with an ethanol separation factor of 10.2. Considering a biobased route for ethanol production, the gas stripping and vapor permeation through this membrane also shows a great enrichment performance, and the concentrated ethanol is up to 65.6 wt%. Overall, this MCM-22/PDMS membrane shows a high separation ability for ethanol benefited from a unique structure deign of fillers and ultrafast curing speed of PDMS, and has a great potential for bioethanol separation from cellulosic ethanol fermentation.

Stabilization of Fish Protein-Based Adhesive by Reduction of Its Hygroscopicity.

Protein-based fish adhesives have historically been used in various bonding applications; however, due to the protein's high affinity for water absorption, these adhesives become destabilized in high-moisture environments, resulting in reduced bondline strength and early failure. This limitation makes them unsuitable for industrial applications with higher demands. To address this issue, water-insoluble raw powder materials such as iron, copper, or zeolite were incorporated into natural fish adhesives. In this study, the hygroscopicity, dry matter content, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), FT-IR spectroscopy, surface tension measurements, vapour permeability, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the modified adhesives were determined. In addition, the bonding properties of the modified adhesives were evaluated by the tensile shear strength of the lap joints, and mould growth was visually inspected. The resulting modified protein-based adhesives demonstrated improved stability in high humidity environments. Enhancing the hygroscopic properties of protein-based fish adhesives has the potential to unlock new opportunities and applications, providing a healthier and more environmentally sustainable alternative to petroleum-based adhesives.

Development of water vapor recovery membrane for efficient recycling system

Abstract In wastewater treatment at semiconductor plants separation operations are currently conducted mainly by distillation. Membrane distillation using ceramic surface-treated membranes is expected to provide more efficient separation. In this study, we investigated the improvement of acid resistance of surface-treated ceramic membranes by using four silicon alkoxides, Hexamethyldisiloxane(HMDS), Dimethyldimethoxysilane(DMDMOS), 3,3,3-Trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane (TFPrTMOS), Tetramethoxysilane(TMOS) were used as surface treatment and it was performed in the gas phase. The water vapor permeance of the TFPrTMOS surface treated membrane was 2.35✕10−6 [mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1], and it maintained its functionality after immersion in a 10 wt% sulfuric acid solution under 60°C for 170 h. The membrane with multiple surface treatments with TFPrTMOS showed an increase in acid resistance to 491h, indicating that unreacted alkoxide affected the degradation. The water vapor permeance of the TFPrTMOS-DMDMOS treated membrane combined silicon alkoxides was 2.85✕10−6[mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1] and the acid resistance was 687 h. It is possible that DMDMOS acted as a cross-linker in modifying the unreacted alkoxide portion of the membrane, leading to improved resistance.

Chitosan Extracted from the Biomass of Tenebrio molitor Larvae as a Sustainable Packaging Film.

Waste from non-degradable packaging materials poses a serious environmental risk and has led to interest in developing sustainable bio-based packaging materials. Sustainable packaging materials have been made from diverse naturally derived materials such as bamboo, sugarcane, and corn starch. In this study, we made a sustainable packaging film using chitosan extracted from the biomass of yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) shell waste. The extracted chitosan was used to create films, cross-linked with citric acid (CA) and with the addition of glycerol to impart flexibility, using the solvent casting method. The successful cross-linking was evaluated using Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis. The CA cross-linked mealworm chitosan (CAMC) films exhibited improved water resistance with moisture content reduced from 19.9 to 14.5%. Improved barrier properties were also noted, with a 28.7% and 10.2% decrease in vapor permeability and vapor transmission rate, respectively. Bananas were selected for food preservation, and significant changes were observed over a duration of 10 days. Compared to the control sample, bananas packaged in CAMC pouches exhibited a lesser loss in weight because of excellent barrier properties against water vapor. Moreover, the quality and texture of bananas packaged in CAMC pouch remained intact over the duration of the experiment. This indicates that adding citric acid and glycerol to the chitosan structure holds promise for effective food wrapping and contributes to the enhancement of banana shelf life. Through this study, we concluded that chitosan film derived from mealworm biomass has potential as a valuable resource for sustainable packaging solutions, promoting the adoption of environmentally friendly practices in the food industry.

A Low‐Permeability and Flexible Polymer Tube for Long‐Life Fiber Lithium‐Ion Batteries

AbstractFiber lithium‐ion batteries (FLIBs) hold great promise for powering wearable electronics. However, their practical application is hindered by limited cycle and calendar life, primarily due to the loss of active Li caused by water vapor permeation through the encapsulation layer. To address this challenge, a low‐permeability and high‐flexibility tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) tube is presented to continuously encapsulate FLIBs by melting extrusion method. Owing to the inherent hydrophobicity of fluorine resins and appropriate crystallinity of the polymer matrix, FEP tubes exhibited significantly low vapor permeability, with a water vapor transmittance rate (WVTR) of 0.3 mg·day−1·pkg−1, 15 times lower than that of the nylon 12 tubes (4.6 mg·day−1·pkg−1). Leveraging the low permeability and elastic modulus of FEP tubes, FLIBs demonstrate a capacity retention of 80.05% after 180 cycles and exceptional flexibility with a capacity retention of 98.32% after 10 000 bending cycles, showcasing superior performance compared to the conventional polymer tubes (for example, the capacity of PP‐FLIBs declined by 20.68% after 30 cycles). This work presents a general and efficient strategy for continuously encapsulating FLIBs, effectively extending their cycle and calendar lifetime of FLIBs, thereby enhancing their practical viability for wearable electronic applications.

Engineering multi-level structured electrospun nanofiber Janus membrane for direct contact membrane distillation

The membrane distillation (MD) has been considered as an attractive technique for the desalination and water treatments. However, the membrane with the superhydrophobic surface is still urgently needed for the wide application of MD process. Inspired by nature, the membranes with the highly porous structure have been fabricated by electrospinning to enhance the water vapor permeation in MD process. In this work, a hydrophobic layer with the hierarchical reentrant architecture was fabricated by electrostatically depositing silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles on the surface of polyvinylidenefluoride electrosprayed layer followed by the fluorination treatment. The properties of hydrophobic layers were evaluated by varying the electrospraying time and SiO2 loading amount. The optimal membrane had a water contact angle value of 145.7° and surface roughness of ∼275 nm, demonstrating a water flux of 21.2 L.m−2.h−1 and superior salt rejection of >99.9 % when 3.5 wt% NaCl solution was used as the feed solution and the temperature difference was set as 40 °C. The membrane showed an excellent operation stability and effective mitigation in scaling and fouling tendency. The prepared membrane could be applied as a good candidate for the MD-based water treatment processes.