Novel polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes modified with Cu/titanate nanotubes

•Improvement of PES membrane permeability by modification with Cu/TNTs.•Better antifouling properties in case of lower temperature of non-solvent bath.•Higher Cu content in Cu/TNTs increases water permeability but enhances fouling.•Higher Cu content in Cu/TNTs improves antibacterial properties of membranes.•Higher biocidal ability of Cu/TNTs-modified membranes in case of E. coli.