Surface modification of thin-film composite polyamide reverse osmosis membranes with thermo-responsive polymer (TRP) for improved fouling resistance and cleaning efficiency

▶ TRP surface coating layer increases membrane surface hydrophilicity and permeability. ▶ TRP surface coating layer improves membrane fouling resistance to BSA. ▶ Phase transition of TRP coating layer facilitates the removal of the foulant on membrane surface. ▶ Sudden improvement in cleaning efficiency takes place around LCST.