Construction of transfer-free regular through-pore polyimide composite microfiltration membranes via amphiphilic dendron-assisted breath-figure method for water treatment

•Preparation of regular through-pore polyimide membranes on filter paper using the breath-figure technique.•Regular through-pore membranes with high water permeance and high yeast and mud rejection.•Surface cleaning or backwash easy restore the fouled membrane.