In this paper, a new method of stabilizing supported liquid membranes ii; presented. The stabilization is based on the application of polymeric top layers to the surface of microfiltration membranes, preventing loss of the liquid membrane phase out of the support pores. The modified microfiltration membranes were used as supports for supported liquid membranes and tested on selective nitrate transport and stability. Screening experiments revealed that most applied top layers did not hinder the transport of nitrate ions. However, a few were able to improve the stability of the liquid membranes. Best results were obtained when piperazine (PIPA) and trimesoyl chloride (TMCl) were used as monomers. For Accurel polypropylene supports with PTPA/TMCl top layer, nitrate flux was constant at the initial 18 z : 10(-10) mol cm(-2) s(-1) for 350 h of simulated operation. For uncoated supported liquid membranes (SLMs), the flux decreased within one day from 18 x 10(-10) to almost 0 mol cm(-2) s(-1). Scanning electron microscopy investigations revealed a particular, rippled surface texture of layers prepared with these monomers.