Effect of spinning conditions on the structure and performance of hydrophobic PVDF hollow fiber membranes for membrane distillation

► Both flux and mechanical property are taken into account in the membrane preparation process. ► The permeation and mechanical property of membrane is correlated well with the pore structure characteristics of membrane. ► Membrane permeation property is mainly determined by porosity, especially effective porosity. ► High permeate flux and mechanical strength of membrane can be simultaneously achieved by synergetic effect of PEG-400/LiCl.