The effects of mechanical and chemical modification of TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface chemistry, structure and fouling performance of PES ultrafiltration membranes

▶ Parameters such as changes in membrane morphology and local surface modifications may contribute just as much as hydrophilicity to greater fouling resistance when the effects of unmodified and modified titania were compared. ▶ Better dispersion of nanoparticles in membrane led to membranes with higher porosity and better flux recovery. ▶ The generation of local low energy surfaces using functionalized nanoparticles may contribute to a potentially interesting strategy for increasing antifouling performance in nanocomposite membranes and is currently under further investigation.