Pure and silver (Ag) nanoparticle (0.5 wt%, 1 wt%, 2 wt%)-incorporated polysulphone/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PSF/PVP) membranes have been prepared by phase inversion method. The effects of Ag nanoparticle incorporation on PSF/PVP polymer membrane have been studied by XRD, FE-SEM, AFM and contact angle measurement. The successful incorporation of Ag nanoparticle has been confirmed by XRD analysis. FE-SEM images showed that morphology varies with the variation in Ag concentration. The decrease in contact angle value proved that membrane surface is more hydrophilic in nature than pure PSF/PVP membrane. Enhanced mechanical and thermal behaviour has been observed by tensile test measurement and TGA, respectively. It has been also observed that permeability, salt rejection and antibacterial activity of the membrane were enhanced upon Ag incorporation in the PSF/PVP membrane. Among the Ag-incorporated membranes, 1 wt% Ag showed superior performance. The enhancement of membrane performance upon Ag incorporation has been well justified, and other features are discussed in detail. [GRAPHICS] .