A bioinspired fouling-resistant surface modification for water purification membranes

► Polydopamine was deposited on a variety of water purification membranes. ► The polydopamine modification improved the fouling resistance of all membranes studied. ► Poly(ethylene glycol) was covalently bound to polydopamine-modified membranes to further enhance membrane fouling resistance. ► Polydopamine deposition is easily scalable to membrane modules.