Pilot-scale modification of polyethersulfone membrane with a size and charge selective nanocellulose layer

The utilisation of plant-derived nanoscale cellulosic materials (cellulose nanofibrils, CNF) in tailoring water purification membranes is constantly gaining interest the context green-functionalised membrane solutions. However, most existing approaches based on renewable and biobased suffer from lack efficient scalable processing strategies. Here, we introduce a roll-to-roll modification approach thin submicron nanocellulose coatings (400–800 nm) to manufacture anti-biofouling with size charge dependent selectivity using unit operations compatible industrial lines. We turned commercial polymeric polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration into highly hydrophilic tight structure by applying water-durable cellulose nanofibril layers cast or spray coating methods. Nanocellulose coated exhibited permeance values 80 – 100 LMH/MPa highest rejection levels > 90% for Cytochrome C. Furthermore, were able withstand relatively high filtration pressure 1 MPa, indicating that selected procedures improve mechanical integrity i.e. polyethylene imine-based anchoring acid induced CNF cross-linking successful. thinnest layer molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) 2 kDa negatively charged polystyrene sulfonate 14 neutral dextrane selective behaviour. It can be concluded our PES represent nanofiltration lower boundary ultrafiltration clear performance directly evidenced via systematic bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption investigations. Our paves way towards tunable sustainable treatment technologies simultaneously opening space novel solutions sector.