Surface modification of polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous membranes with superior antibacterial and easy-cleaning properties through hydrophilic flexible spacers

► Surface grafting through flexible linkers prepares antibacterial fibers effectively. ► Hydrophilic linkers provide easy-cleaning properties by removing attached dead cells. ► The morphology and porosity of membranes are maintained after the modification. ► Modified membranes show high pure water fluxes and relative flux recovery.