Zhang, TaoGuo, XinSolomon, BruslySharifpur, MohsenZhang, Li-Zhi2023-09-222023-09-222022-02Zhang, T., Guo, X., Solomon, B. et al. 2022, 'A hydrophobic-hydrophilic MXene/PVDF composite hollow fiber membrane with enhanced antifouling properties for seawater desalination', Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 644, art. 120146, doi : 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.120146.0376-7388 (print)1873-3123 (online)10.1016/j.memsci.2021.120146http://hdl.handle.net/2263/92401Hollow fiber membrane-based humidification-dehumidification desalination of seawater is a low-carbon freshwater-harvesting technology that can be powered by low-grade solar energy. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) can be easily fabricated into membranes and is considered the most promising material for industrial seawater desalination. However, membrane fouling and wetting have always been major obstacles with this technology. In this study, a hydrophobic-hydrophilic MXene/PVDF composite hollow fiber membrane (PVDF-MP) with remarkable antiwetting and antifouling properties was successfully prepared using a chemical grafting method. The interfacial dehydration reaction between the hydrophilic substrate layer (PVDF-OH) and the hydrophobic skin layer (MXene-P [MP]) was verified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and a detailed reaction mechanism was provided. The hydrophilic substrate layer decreased moisture transfer resistance, while the hydrophobic skin layer reduced the membrane surface energy and increased the surface roughness. This resulted in a contact angle of 156.2°, which was measured using a new method that accounted for the curvature of the membrane. The superhydrophobic surface possessed a strong repulsive force toward water, and the air gap between the water and membrane impeded pollutant deposition on the inner surface of the membrane. Moreover, the rough surface created high entry pressure and prevented water from entering the membrane pores. Thus, the permeate flux of the PVDF-MP membrane persisted over 120 h during desalination tests, surpassing the performance of traditional materials.en© 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. Notice : this is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Journal of Membrane Science. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. A definitive version was subsequently published in Journal of Membrane Science, vol. 644, art. 120146, doi : 10.1016/j.memsci.2021.120146.Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)DesalinationHollow fiber membraneAntifoulingAntiwettingHumidificationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-04SDG-04: Quality educationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-06SDG-06: Clean water and sanitationEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-09SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructureEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-12SDG-12: Responsible consumption and productionEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-13SDG-13: Climate actionEngineering, built environment and information technology articles SDG-14SDG-14: Life below waterPostprint Article