Microporous cellulose membranes were prepared from novel cellulose/ aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions by coagulation with aqueous H2SO4 solutions. The free and glass-contacting surface morphology of the microporous cellulose membranes showed an asymmetric porous structure. The morphological structure, tensile properties, and permeability of the microporous cellulose membranes could be controlled by changes in the coagulation conditions such as the coagulant concentration and the coagulation time. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.