Incorporating TiO2 nanocages into electrospun nanofibrous membrane for efficient and anti-fouling membrane distillation

In this study, TiO 2 nanocages with a hollow structure were integrated into the polyvinylidene fluoride co-hexafluoropropylene (PH) spinning solution, leading to the fabrication of a novel PH/TiO 2 electrospun nanofiber membrane (PH/TiO 2 ENM) through electrostatic spinning. The incorporation of TiO 2 nanocages resulted in the formation of abundant micro-nano structures on the PH nanofiber surface, enhancing membrane roughness and hydrophobicity. Additionally, the hollow nanostructure of TiO 2 nanocages effectively reduced the thermal conductivity of the ENMs. This reduction in thermal conductivity mitigated the temperature polarization effect, thereby increasing mass transfer driving force for the ENMs. The maximum water flux of the PH/TiO 2 ENM reached ∼57.9 L m −2  h −1 (LMH), which was approximately 3.7 times higher than that of the original PH ENM. In addition to the formation of micro-nano structures on PH nanofibers, the presence of TiO 2 nanocages facilitated the attachment of more low-surface-energy FAS molecules, improving the resistance of them to fouling and anti-wetting properties against both inorganic and organic contaminants, even in the presence of SDS, in a composite feed solution during the DCMD process. Moreover, even after prolonged exposure to a composite salt solution, this membrane also exhibited exceptional anti-fouling properties and stable desalination performance during a 168 h long-term stability test.