Fabrication of sulfonated polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes with an excellent antifouling performance by impregnating with polysulfopropyl acrylate coated ZnO nanoparticles

Sulfonated polyethersulfone/sulfopropyl methacrylate membranes impregnated with the polysulfopropyl acrylate coated ZnO nanoparticles were developed using a non-solvent-induced phase separation recipe. The composite membranes offered much-enhanced hydrophilicity and improved porosity, which are critical for the excellent antifouling performance and high permeate flux. By adding polysulfopropyl acrylate modified ZnO, it achieved the maximum water flux of 420 Lm−2h−1 while maintained the natural organic matter rejection rate of 99% with an excellent flux recovery ratio up to 99% in the antifouling measurement. The results display that the impregnation of ZnO nanoparticles in the sulfonated polyethersulfone membrane can effectively increase the surface hydrophilicity which is essential for reducing the irreversible fouling with improved long-term performance and excellent recyclability.