Microstructure and anti-adhesion properties of PES/TAP/Ag hybrid ultrafiltration membrane

► TAP in PES/Ag UF promotes higher Ag-entrapment in membrane matrices. ► Higher Ag-entrapment promotes smoother membrane surfaces confirmed by AFM. ► PES/TAP/Ag membrane exhibits anti-adhesion properties when tested against E. coli suspension. ► PES/TAP/Ag also exhibits better tensile strength up to 52% compared to pristine PES.