Clay Hybrid Membranes in Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Most of NF membranes which are developed recently are composite membranes, whose support layer is covered with an active layer. Among different ceramic support materials that are currently used as support layer, α-alumina supports are integral part of the membrane which is made of artificial materials like alumina and thus adds to the high price of the membrane. This draws our attention in making low cost support material of natural clay which aims to be an excellent membrane support as it possesses high mechanical strength, high permeability, narrow pore size distribution and low manufacturing cost. Titania as active layer for ceramic membrane is preferred over Al2O3 membranes. One of the problems encountered when photocatalysts are immobilized on support is the detachment of the micro particles from the support for high flow rates of liquid effluent. This can be overcome by using Montmorillonite clay as support material as it is a great binder.