A facile method for synthesis of pegylated polyethersulfone and its application in fabrication of antifouling ultrafiltration membrane

Pegylated polyethersulfone (PES) was readily synthesized via a reaction of chlorosulfonated PES with oligomeric poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). The pegylated PES materials were then utilized as a hydrophilic modifier for fabrication of PES ultrafiltration membranes. It was found that the surface hydrophilicity of the modified PES ultrafiltration membranes was remarkably enhanced with an increase of pegylated PES content. Liquid porosimetry and protein rejection experiments were jointly carried out to probe the membrane pore size and to further elucidate the permeation and antifouling properties of the membranes. The modified membranes showed superior resistance to bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption compared to the unmodified counterparts. Furthermore, ultrafiltration experiments revealed that both pegylated PES and sulfonated PES could enhance the permeation properties of PES membranes, but the pegylated PES reduced BSA fouling in a wider pH range and endowed membranes with better permeation properties. The improved antifouling property rendered the modified membranes longer operation lifespan. After three cycles of BSA solution (1.0mg/mL) ultrafiltration and simple hydraulic cleaning, the water fluxes of the 2.16g pegylated PES-modified membranes were still higher than 130L/(m2h).