Developing of titania-smectite nanocomposites UF membrane over zeolite based ceramic support

Abstract In the present work, UF ceramic membrane from smectite (Sm) nanoparticle as active layer and zeolite as a support was prepared. The nanoparticle clay powder was obtained by using a colloidal route method. Thus, titanium (IV) isopropoxide was incorporated within the organophilic layer and developed on the surface of the alumino-silicate-grains. Firstly, the nanoparticle powders were characterized by using various methods (XRD, IR, SEM-EDX and BET). Hence, the morphology and properties of the resulting membrane sintered at 900 °C were then determined by SEM, FTIR and BET, whereas its performance was investigated by conducting pure water permeation and application for treatment of four types of different industrial waste water. The microstructure observed from SEM showed that the separation layer has a homogenous structure with no cracks resulting in an average pore diameter of 18 nm. Furthermore, water permeability was found to vary from 1218 L·h− 1·m− 2·bar− 1 for the support before layer deposition to 80 L·h− 1·m− 2·bar− 1 after coating. This value confirms that the Sm/Z membrane is suitable for operating in ultrafiltration domain. Finally, the application to the treatment of industrial wastewaters revealed an important decrease in turbidity, color and chemical oxygen demand (COD) while the permeate flux was maintained at acceptable value. The overall data suggest that the elaborated titania–smectite nanocomposite membrane may be an effective remediation means aimed at industrial effluents treatment.