Significant progress has been achieved in the last years on the modification of polyethersulfone (PES) membranes. Many articles and reviews have been written on the development in the area of PES membrane modification subjected to RO, UF, NF, gas separation (GS), and biomedical applications. In particular, most emphasis has been given to the modification methods, membrane properties by bulk modification, blending and grafting methods, and some of their salient features are highlighted. The flat-sheet form and hollow fiber form membranes are reviewed respectively. Furthermore, future perspective of the membranes was discussed. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.