Multi-hierarchical structured PTFE membrane for liquid desiccant dewatering via membrane distillation

Poly (tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) can be used for robust separation membranes owing to its exceptional chemical and thermal stabilities. Simultaneously achieving construction of hierarchical pore structures and re-entrant surface microstructures during the fabrication of PTFE membrane holds significant importance in addressing the issues of low flux and membrane wetting in membrane distillation (MD). Herein, we proposed a flexible method for manufacturing hierarchically structured PTFE membrane by combining electrospinning/spraying with sintering/welding. The present approach facilitated the controlled fabrication of a superhydrophobic PTFE membrane with slippery surface (exhibiting a water contact angle of 153.5°, and an ultralow sliding angle of 7.5°) without using fluoride-based solvents or external nanoparticles. Moreover, the anti-wetting mechanism and performance stability of the PTFE membranes in MD were thoroughly investigated. In liquid desiccant regeneration experiments, the 20 wt% LiCl solution was successfully concentrated to 28.64 wt%. Furthermore, the PTFE membrane demonstrated a stable flux (>30 kg m⁻² h⁻¹) and relatively low permeate conductivity (<15 μs cm⁻¹) during treating simulated seawater for 30 h. The present work offers a new approach to fabricate multi-hierarchical structured superhydrophobic membranes for desalination and regeneration of liquid desiccants.