Chemical Methodologies
7.4 (Q1)
CiteScore2024
Q2
Web of Science

High-Performance PES Membranes Prepared by VNIPS: Role of Brij-58 in Enhancing Surface Hydrophilicity and Antifouling Resistance

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Miftahul Arzaq 1
Muhammad Az-Harry 1
Haziqia Aulia Putri 1
Nasywa Humaira Nasrul 2
Sri Mulyati 1, 3
Cut Meurah Rosnelly 1, 3
Nafiu Umar Barambu 1
Muhammad Prayogie Aulia 4
Nasrul Arahman 1, 3, 5

1 Department of Chemical Engineering, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia

2 Department of Pharmacy, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia

3 Graduate School of Environmental Management, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jl. Tgk Chik Pante Kulu No. 5, Banda Aceh 23111, Darussalam, Indonesia

4 Department of Chemical Engineering, Kobe University, Nada-Ku Hyogo, Japan

5 Atsiri Research Center, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Jl. Syeh A. Rauf, Darussalam, Banda Aceh 23111, Indonesia

https://doi.org/10.48309/chemm.2026.562772.2051
Abstract
This study investigates the modification of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes using the Brij-58 additive to enhance the hydrophilicity and antifouling performance of the resulting thin film for the separation of water pollutants. A combination of vapor-Induced phase separation (VIPS) and non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) methods was employed to ensure the retention of Brij-58 within the membrane matrix. SEM analysis revealed uniform pore distribution and symmetrical structure, while FTIR confirmed successful incorporation of Brij-58. The modified membrane (PB-90) exhibited improved hydrophilicity, as indicated by a reduced water contact angle from 75.31° to 55.11°. PB-90 also demonstrated the highest pure water flux (69.86 ± 1.294 L/m²·h), though with a slight decrease in mechanical strength. Performance testing showed that PB-90 had superior antifouling characteristics, with a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of 91.91% and total fouling ratio (Rt) of 52.49%, compared to the unmodified membrane (PM) with an FRR of 75.70% and Rt of 25.58%. When applied to river water filtration, PB-90 significantly reduced contaminants. These results confirm that the incorporation of Brij-58 and the VNIPS technique effectively enhance the hydrophilic and antifouling properties of PES membranes.

Graphical Abstract

High-Performance PES Membranes Prepared by VNIPS: Role of Brij-58 in Enhancing Surface Hydrophilicity and Antifouling Resistance

Keywords

Antifouling
Brij-58
Vapor Induced phase separation
Non-solvent induced phase separation

Subjects

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Chemical Methodologies
Volume 10, Issue 5
May 2026
Pages 514-528

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  • Receive Date 30 November 2025
  • Revise Date 28 December 2025
  • Accept Date 30 January 2026

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