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.