Effect of surface charge on hydrophilically modified poly(vinylidene fluoride) membrane for microfiltration

► Defluorination and sulfonation of PVDF MF membranes are performed and controlled. ► IEC and water uptake increase as degree of substitution by sulfonation increases. ► Increase in surface charge density is due to the increase in sulfonic acid groups. ► Water flux enhances while fouling decreases due to decrease in Rm, Rc and Ra.