Synergistic Effect of Chitosan and Metal Oxide Additives on Improving the Organic and Biofouling Resistance of Polyethersulfone Ultrafiltration Membranes.

The combination of chitosan and metal oxides was utilized as an addition to improve the fouling resistance of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration membranes. Pure water flux, membrane hydrophilicity by the contact angle, scanning electron micrographs, and Fourier-transform infrared spectra were used to characterize the membranes. With the addition of metal oxides, the modified membrane's water flux increased.