Phenolphthalin (PPL) containing carboxyl was successfully introduced into the molecule backbone of polysulfone (PSF). A series of PSF-COOH copolymers with different carboxylation degree was synthesized and prepared as ultrafiltration membranes. The introduction of PPL significantly improved the hydrophilicity, permeation flux and antifouling property of membranes. This method is valuable for large-scale industrial production of hydrophilic membrane material.