Taking advantage of Fourier transform infrared spectrum and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the researcher has conducted a contrastive research on the surface molecular structure of porous PVDF membrane before and after modification. Research results indicate that, though the C-F characteristic peak of the PVDF membrane still exists after modification, the peak is obviously flat, which indicates that the content of F atom decreases evidently; the results also indicate that hydroxyl characteristic peak is sharper, which indicates the content of 0 atom increases evidently. This proves that chemical binding force has been produced by chemical reactions on the surface of PVDF membrane during the modification. The coexistence of C-F functional group with C-OH one on the surface of PVDF membrane after modification proves that the surface features of the PVDF membrane have been successfully altered. Combination of Fourier transform infrared spectrum with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is proved an effective approach for analyzing the surface structure of the membrane. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.