Hydrophilic Modification of Polymeric Membrane using Graft Polymerization Method: A Mini Review

Abstract

Abstract The separation performance of polymeric membrane is strongly influenced by its surface characteristics. In water treatment applications, it is generally accepted that a hydrophilic membrane surface is favorable to enhance water permeate flux and mitigate membrane fouling. Numerous methods, both chemical and physical modification, have been proposed to improve the hydrophilicity of polymeric membranes. Graft polymerization is one of the promising methods to modify polymer membranes by tethering hydrophilic polymer chains onto membrane surface. The existence of hydrophilic chains on the membrane surface facilitates the reduction of interfacial tension with water, thus higher water flux can be obtained. In addition, the increase of membrane hydrophilicity also improves the antifouling resistance. This review provides a concise summary and discussion of the modification of polymeric membranes using graft polymerization method. The effects of graft polymerization on the membrane hydrophilicity as well as the antifouling property are discussed.