Single Step Preparation of Zirconia Ultrafiltration Membrane over Clay-Alumina Based Multichannel Ceramic Support for Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Zirconia ultrafiltration membranes are widely developed and used for past several years. But the conventional sol-gel methods of zirconia membrane preparation involve many steps. In the present study an attempt was made to develop defect free zirconia ultrafiltration (UF) membrane in single step coating of zirconia nanopowder suspension by slip casting method over multichannel ceramic support. The porous support was made from a novel composition of clay and α-alumina having 19-channels circular configuration. Zirconia UF membrane was developed at the inner surface of the support up to 0.2 m length. Membrane had a mean pore diameter of 40 nm. Clean water permeability of 48 lm-2h-1bar-1 was obtained for the membrane under cross-flow filtration mode. Membrane was utilized for treatment of industrial and domestic wastewater. Membrane treated water was characterized to evaluate the reduction of organic and inorganic contaminants. About 82% and 92% removal of COD were obtained for tannery wastewater and kitchen sink wastewater respectively and turbidity being reduced below 1 NTU for both the effluents. Complete removal of pathogenic organisms was achieved. Membrane treated wastewater may be reused for agricultural purposes.