Pilot-scale modification of polyethersulfone membrane with a size and charge selective nanocellulose layer

•Submicron nanocellulose layers generate highly hydrophilic anti-biofouling membrane surfaces.•Microfiltration membranes were altered to ultrafiltration and nanofiltration membranes.•Membrane roll-to-roll modifications were carried out using industrially relevant unit operations.•Nanocellulose layers displayed both size and charge selective separation mechanism with good mechanical integrity.