Interlayer-free carbon-silica matrices carbonized under vacuum and N2 atmosphere. Pendant ligand vinyl group and triblock copolymer embedded in the silica matrix. Higher mesoporosity and carbon yield via vacuum as compared to N2 carbonization. High water flux of 26.5 L m−2 h−1 for brackish feed with 99.5% salt rejection. Also high water flux of 9.2 L m−2 h−1 for brine (15 wt%) feed with 98.6% salt rejection.