Evaluation of the antifouling and photocatalytic properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) plasma-grafted poly(acrylic acid) membrane with self-assembled TiO2

► Plasma and grafting parameters that maximized TiO2 binding sites were found. ► PVDF hydrophilicity was vastly improved compared to other modification techniques. ► At least 1.5% TiO2 and 30 min UV exposure were needed to attain full flux recovery. ► Photocatalytic membranes could remove up to 42% of 50 mg/l RB5 dye.