CERAMIC MEMBRANE FOR MICROPOLLUTANT REMOVAL

Abstract

The development and use of ceramic membranes for micropollutant removal in water treatment has shown promising results, especially in terms of cost-effectiveness and efficiency. This study focuses on the fabrication and evaluation of three different ceramic membranes, namely CM-0, CM-20, and CM-40. These membranes were prepared using an extrusion process with varying compositions: CM-0 consisted of 77% natural clay, 21% water, and 2% sugar solution; CM-20 comprised 80% natural clay and water, 18% ceramic aggregate, and 2% sugar solution; and CM-40 included 60% natural clay and water, 38% ceramic aggregate, and 2% sugar solution (1.68 M). Prepared membrane was dried at 100℃ and sintered at 1200 °C to enhance their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and Dynamic Light Scattering size analysis were used to evaluate the membranes performance and efficiency. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images revealed a rough surface morphology without noticeable cracks or imperfections. Flow rate measurements using a filtration system indicated that CM-0 exhibited the highest flow rate at 110 L/m²h, followed by CM-20 at 110 L/m²h, and CM-40 at 94 L/m²h. All membranes demonstrated high removal efficiency, exceeding 99.99% for colloidal particlesfrom cosmetic products in deionized water with varying concentrations (200 PPM, 300 PPM, 500 PPM). The fouling resistance of the membrane, measured at 3.388 Pa, suggests minimal fouling, which is beneficial for maintaining consistent performance over time. The formation of fouling on the membrane surface leads to changes in pressure difference, which in turn affects the flux. It was observed that the flux decreased as a result of fouling and varying concentrations of colloidal particles used as the inlet for filtration purposes.