Effect of grafting on microstructure, composition and surface and transport properties of ceramic membranes for osmotic evaporation

► Silane chains grafted on the external surface and inside the membrane structure resulted on compaction of internal layers. ► Water transport coefficient of 0.8 μm membranes dropped up to 1000 times after grafting but it is still not suitable for OE. ► Feed and brine layer resistances represent less than 10% from total OE process resistance with the 0.2 μm grafted membrane.