Polysulfone–Chitosan blend ultrafiltration membranes: preparation, characterization, permeation and antifouling properties

Biocompatible and naturally occurring chitosan was used as an additive for the preparation of a polysulfone ultrafiltration membrane. Two different compositions of polysulfone in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) and chitosan in 1% acetic acid were blended to prepare PSf–CS ultrafiltration membranes by the diffusion induced phase separation (DIPS) method. The proper blending of polysulfone and chitosan in PSf–CS membranes was confirmed by ATR-IR analysis. The surface and cross-sectional morphology of the membranes was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membrane hydrophilicity was determined by water uptake and contact angle measurements. The PSf–CS membrane showed an enhanced hydrophilicity compared to a PSf ultrafiltration membrane. The time dependent permeation studies revealed the improved flux of PSf–CS membranes. PSf–CS membranes were subjected to bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein rejection studies. An improved antifouling property was observed for PSf–CS blend membranes as compared to pristine PSf ultrafiltration membranes. Both the permeation and antifouling properties of PSf–CS membranes increased with an increase in chitosan composition.