Integrated preparation of alumina microfiltration membrane with super permeability and high selectivity

A dual-layer alumina microfiltration membrane with super permeability and high selectivity was prepared by co-sintering the membrane and the support. Silica sol as sintering aid for the supports can also promote adhesion between supports and membranes. Tape-casting technique was introduced here to form the pre-membranes which were directly transfer-coated on the green support bodies. The optimum co-sintering conditions and the effects of organic agent content and membrane thickness on the membrane performance were comprehensively investigated. The optimized ceramic membrane had an average pore size of 249 nm and a water permeance of 5040 Lm(-2) h(-1) bar(-I) after co-sintering at 1300 degrees C for 2 h, which also exhibited a rejection rate of 96.2% for the carbon ink with an average particle size of 237 nm. This work provides a new method for efficient and low-cost preparation of high-performance ceramic membranes.