Preparation of Alumina/Titania Ceramic Composite Membrane for Chloride Ion Removal

Alumina–titania composite ceramic NF membranes with an alumina interlayer are prepared by the sol–gel process forthe rejection of salts. Particle size distribution is measured by dynamic light scattering (DLS), the membrane surfacequality and morphology are investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The membrane micro-structuralfeatures are analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Water permeability and salt retention is performed using a dead endmodule. DLS results confirm the formation of nanoparticles. SEM demonstrates the crack free membrane surfaces aftercalcination at 450°C. The thickness of the inter and top layer membranes were estimated around 1.5 and 0.5 μm,respectively. Also, the results of characterized samples by XRD show alumina crystal structure for interlayer and anatase,rutile and alumina phases for the composite membranes. Salt retention results show a significant reduction at aroundpH=12.

Keywords:

Alumina-Titania , Ceramic Membrane , Sol-Gel Process , Chloride Ion Removal . Introduction