Co-deposition of tannic acid and diethlyenetriamine for surface hydrophilization of hydrophobic polymer membranes

We report a novel approach toward the surface modification of commercial polymer membranes via co-deposition of tannic acid (TA) and diethlyenetriamine (DETA). Particle-free, superhydrophilic, and almost colorless coatings are fabricated on the surfaces of polypropylene, poly(vinylidene fluoride), and poly(tetrafluoroethlene) microfiltration membranes. Cross-linking between TA and DETA plays a crucial role during the co-deposition process, as well as the adhesion of TA on the hydrophobic membrane surfaces. Both the surface wettability and water permeation flux are dramatically improved for the studied membranes after the co-deposition. The results indicate that co-deposition of TA and DETA is great potential for the surface modification of hydrophobic membranes.