Highly permeable reverse osmosis membranes incorporated with hydrophilic polymers of intrinsic microporosity via interfacial polymerization

•Well-designed structure of PIMs met high hydrophilicity and enhanced reactivity.•PIMs was covalently incorporated into RO membranes via interfacial polymerization.•Polymer of intrinsic microporousity (PIMs) created high free-volume in RO membrane.•Water permeability was doubled without sacrificing NaCl rejection.