Synthesis and characterization of nanofiltration ceramic membranes using alumina doped with spent siliceous material from chemical industry

ABSTRACT

Membrane supports were synthesized from spent siliceous adsorbent material (Hyflow) by incorporating in α-alumina. The properties of these supports were compared with those made using commercial siliceous material (Hyflow) incorporated in α-alumina. In the thermal treatment, both the spent as well as commercial Hyflow materials were heated up to 500°C. These membrane supports were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and chemical stability. Optimized supports were coated with γ-alumina to reduce pore diameter to 50–60 nm. Nanofiltration of Reactive Red 120 dye was studied using synthesized membranes. The results obtained through recycle and reuse of the spent material were positive.

KEYWORDS:

• Ceramic membrane
• spent Hyflow
• dye separation
• chemical stability

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, as well as by VA Tech Wabag Limited, India.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India;VA Tech Wabag Limited, India.