One-step synthesis of flower-like Si2N2O nanowires on the surface of porous SiO2 ceramic membranes for membrane distillation

SiO2 porous ceramic membrane was prepared through phase inversion tape casting and pressureless sintering method. Flower-like Si2N2O nanowires was in-situ formed on the surface of the SiO2 membrane, in NH3 atmosphere, through vapor-solid (VS) process. Once modified by inorganic SiNCO film, superhydrophobicity of the membrane with a water contact angle (WCA) of 160 degrees was achieved, which showed high chemical and thermal stability. The prepared membrane had a very good performance in membrane distillation (MD) experiments, with water flux as 11.11 L.m (2.)h (1) and >99.9% salt rejection for 4 wt% NaCl aqueous solution at 90 degrees C, which was kept stable in harsh conditions. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.