In this research, active groups of biguanide were grafted to the surface of graphene oxide sheets through covalent functionalization and combined with magnetic nanoparticles to produce a magnetic graphene-based composite (MMGO). Then, the fabricated MMGO hybrid was introduced into the polyethersulfone (PES) polymer through phase inversion induced by immersion precipitation method. The prepared MMGO embedded PES membranes were examined for pure water flux permeability, salt rejection, antifouling, copper removal, and dye retention capability. The effect of MMGO hybrid on the cross-sectional morphology, hydrophilicity, and roughness of the PES membrane was investigated as well. Embedding MMGO hybrid was eventuated in a significant increase in the pure water flux because of changes in surface roughness and hydrophilicity of the membranes. Besides, the copper and dye removal capability of the prepared membranes remarkably raised due to the presence of hydrophilic functional groups on the surface of MMGO hybrid. The fabricated nanofiltration membrane with 0.5 wt % MMGO hybrid had the highest affinity for copper ions removal (92%). Dye rejection of the MMGO embedded PES membranes at different concentrations of MMGO hybrid was almost the same (about 99%) while the value of the bare PES membrane was 91%. Flux reduction of the MMGO embedded PES membranes was lower than that of the bare PES membrane during repeated filtration.

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Membrane bioreactor (MBR) as a hybrid technology for wastewater treatment is becoming more popular for wastewater treatment. However, membrane fouling has hindered the widespread application of MBRs. Many efforts have been done for fouling mitigation. In this study, high flux and antifouling microfiltration membranes with unique surface structure, high surface porosity, and permeability were prepared by electrospinning technique. Initially, the optimum thickness of electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) membranes was determined and then, electrospun PAN membrane at optimum thickness were prepared by embedding para‐aminobenzoate alumoxane (PABA) nanoparticles at different concentrations. The effect of PABA nanoparticles on membrane performance was investigated. To investigate the characterization of the prepared membranes Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and water contact angle measurement were employed. The flux recovery ratio results revealed that the antifouling properties of the electrospun PAN membrane were enhanced by modification. The 3 wt % electrospun PABA embedded PAN had the best permeability, hydrophilicity, and antifouling properties among the fabricated membranes and showed remarkable reusability during filtration. The results obtained suggested that the high flux and antifouling electrospun PAN membranes embedded PABA nanoparticles could be used as MBR membranes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45738.