Ceramic Nanocomposite Membranes for Dye Removal

Abstract

AbstractDue to their complex aromatic molecular structure, dyes persist in the aquatic environment and pose severe environmental and human health risks. To reduce the risks, it is important to treat dye-contaminated wastewater before it is discharged into waterways. A number of treatment methods have been used for dye removal from wastewater. Most of these processes produce large quantities of toxic sludge and are expensive. In this regard, membrane separation processes represent an alternative process for the treatment of dye-contaminated wastewater. Because of their low energy demand and low environmental footprint, membrane separation has been widely used in wastewater treatment. Membrane processes such as microfiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration are efficient in wastewater treatment. Although polymeric membranes are more widely used, ceramic membranes can extend the scope of application to address challenges such as chemical and mechanical stabilities, fouling and lifespan. Specifically, ceramic membranes possess good chemical stability, exceptional mechanical properties, thermal stability and a long lifespan. The major disadvantage of membrane separation technologies is fouling, which results in variations in selectivity and a decrease in permeate flux. Consequently, the efficiency of the separation process declines. To mitigate membrane fouling, several mechanical and/or chemical cleaning strategies are frequently used. These cleaning procedures are, however, likely to damage the membrane structure, particularly in polymeric membranes. For this and other reasons, the interest on the application of inorganic and, specifically, ceramic membranes has increased. This chapter summarizes: (1) the synthesis and fabrication of ceramic membranes, (2) their structure and properties and (3) their subsequent application in dye removal.KeywordsEnvironmental pollutionNanomaterialsRemediationWastewater