Surface modification of thin-film composite polyamide reverse osmosis membranes by coating N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid copolymers for improved membrane properties

► Surface modification increases membrane surface hydrophilicity. ► Surface modification decreases the salt permeability of NaCl and Na2SO4 at neutral and alkaline pH. ► Surface modification decreases the salt permeability of MgCl2 under acidic condition of pH 2.0. ► Surface coating layer improves membrane fouling resistance to BSA. ► Phase transition of the coating layer facilitates the removal of the foulants on membrane surface.