This study presents a novel approach to enhance the antifouling and separation capabilities of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes by incorporating polydopamine (PDA)-modified cerium (Ce)-metal-organic framework (MOF) (PDA@Ce-MOF). The PDA@Ce-MOF was synthesized and integrated into PES membranes using the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The membranes were characterized for their morphology, hydrophilicity, porosity, and mechanical properties. The results showed that the PDA@Ce-MOF significantly improved the membrane's performance, with a pure water flux of 337 L m⁻² h⁻¹ and high rejection rates for bovine serum albumin (BSA) and humic acid (HA), reaching 98% and 88%, respectively. The PDA@Ce-MOF also enhanced the membrane's antifouling properties, with a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of ~87% after five cycles of BSA filtration. The synergistic effect of PDA and Ce-MOF on the membrane surface increased hydrophilicity, reduced fouling, and improved the membrane's ability to repel BSA molecules. The PDA@Ce-MOF also provided a stable and hydrophilic surface, which enhanced the membrane's separation efficiency and antifouling performance. The study demonstrates that the PDA@Ce-MOF hybrid material is an effective strategy for improving the performance of PES UF membranes in wastewater treatment and water purification.This study presents a novel approach to enhance the antifouling and separation capabilities of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes by incorporating polydopamine (PDA)-modified cerium (Ce)-metal-organic framework (MOF) (PDA@Ce-MOF). The PDA@Ce-MOF was synthesized and integrated into PES membranes using the non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method. The membranes were characterized for their morphology, hydrophilicity, porosity, and mechanical properties. The results showed that the PDA@Ce-MOF significantly improved the membrane's performance, with a pure water flux of 337 L m⁻² h⁻¹ and high rejection rates for bovine serum albumin (BSA) and humic acid (HA), reaching 98% and 88%, respectively. The PDA@Ce-MOF also enhanced the membrane's antifouling properties, with a flux recovery ratio (FRR) of ~87% after five cycles of BSA filtration. The synergistic effect of PDA and Ce-MOF on the membrane surface increased hydrophilicity, reduced fouling, and improved the membrane's ability to repel BSA molecules. The PDA@Ce-MOF also provided a stable and hydrophilic surface, which enhanced the membrane's separation efficiency and antifouling performance. The study demonstrates that the PDA@Ce-MOF hybrid material is an effective strategy for improving the performance of PES UF membranes in wastewater treatment and water purification.