Chemical surface modification for RO membranes based on GO‐mixed polymers for water desalination and biofouling study

Abstract The modification of conventional polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes with grafted methacrylic acid in the presence of nanomaterial is disclosed. To decrease fouling, this study shows the effectiveness of grafting a hydrophilic methacrylic acid (PMAA) and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheet. The change in membrane surface after coating method with different layers was obvious. The results of the ATR‐FTIR, SEM, AFM, contact angle investigations from side and enhanced rejection and permeability from other side proved that the grafting and modification processes had been successful. In comparison between different modifications based on grafting for thin film and blend RO membranes (RO T, RO P, and RO PG), it was found that the modified membrane nominated RO TG membranes showed less biofouling. The modified membrane with 1.25 weight percent PMAA concentration and 0.4 weight percent distributed GO had the lowest contact angle, the least fouling, the highest chlorine resistance, and improved desalination performance. Highlights Biofouling study for modified RO membranes Chlorine resistance membranes for water desalination Enhanced surface hydrophilicity through grafting of polyamide membranes