Free-standing cellulose triacetate (F-CTA)/graphene oxide (GO) membranes without substrate support layer were prepared.
Free-standing structure effectively reduced the water resistance and effect of internal concentration polarization.
Incorporation of GO enhanced water flux and salt rejection of the F-CTA membrane.
F-CTA/GO exhibited remarkable resistance to biofouling.
F-CTA/GO showed high tensile strength and modulus, ensuring excellent mechanical stability of the free-standing membranes.