Enhancement in performance and self-cleaning properties of PES membrane surface tailored by modified TiO2

In this study, the polyethersulfone (PES) membranes were established by surface modification using C, N codoped-TiO2/WO3 (LTW) photocatalytic nanocomposite to amelioration of the membrane performance in terms of antifouling and self-cleaning properties. The nanocomposite membranes were characterized by ATR-FTIR, SEM, AFM, and water contact angle (WCA). The photocatalytic membranes' performance was evaluated using assessment of the pure water flux (PWF), antifouling behavior, photoactivity, and long-term filtration. The membrane modification improved morphology and hydrophilicity of the membranes surface, contributing to the enhanced permeability (PWF of 49.65 kg/m2.h), and substantial antifouling property (FRR of 96.96 %) as well as photoactivity (94.36 % dye removal) of the optimal photocatalytic membrane (M3 membrane). The long-term filtration of the optimal membrane represented its high performance and noteworthy antifouling resistance.