Development of Synthesis Strategy of Ferric and Clayey Flat Ceramic Membranes

Abstract

Ceramic membranes prepared with flat sheet configuration using local materials, iron ore and bentonite, are reported in this investigation. The feedstocks used were fully characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and laser diffraction/light scattering. In order to optimize the preparation conditions, the effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure of ferric and clayey membranes was assessed. Results obtained with SEM, confirmed by optical microscopy, indicate that the optimized sintering temperature was in the vicinity of 900 °C. The properties of the fabricated membranes were characterized in terms of mass and thickness loss throughout a determined period of time. The experimental results present a negligible variation in the rate of mass change, which suggested the stability of the synthesized membranes. Both the ferric and clayey membranes exhibit a prevalence of mesopores in their pore distribution. These results suggest that these specific membranes could be employed as cost-effective and environmentally friendly materials. Furthermore, they hold promise for potential applications in gas treatment processes.