Fabrication and performance of reticular ceramic fiber membranes by freeze casting using a gel network

It is of great practical significance to manufacture ceramic membranes with good reusability. We used a macromolecular gel network for in situ enhancement of a reticulated skeleton ceramic (RSC) membrane. The prepared RSC membranes were firstly characterized to determine their physical and chemical properties. The sample calcined at 1400 degrees C has a porosity of 41.66 %, a pore size of 0.34 mu m, a mechanical strength of 4.53 MPa, and a permeability of 63.92 L m(-1) h(-1 )bar(- 1). This membrane can effectively reduce the content of total organic carbon (TOC) (80 %) and calcium ion (>85 %). In addition, the flux of RSC fouled by alginate, calcium ions, or their mixture is effectively recovered by simple chemical rinsing using sodium hydroxide and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

Automated summary

Manufacturing ceramic membranes with good reusability is of great practical significance. By using a macromolecular gel network to enhance a reticulated skeleton ceramic membrane, membranes with high porosity and permeability were prepared, effectively reducing the content of organic carbon and calcium ions. The membrane's flux fouled by contaminants can be effectively recovered through simple chemical rinsing.