Development and changing the surface and performance of a novel thin layer membrane in the presence of epichlorohydrine

► A novel thin layer was formed by applying chitosan and acrylamide as reagents on a polyethersulfone membrane. ► Different concentrations of epichlorohydrine as a cross-linker were utilized. ► The effect of epichlorohydrine on the performance and morphology of modified-PES membranes was investigated. ► The presence of small amounts of epichlorohydrine enhanced the rejection capability of modified membranes.