Preparation and characterization of organic-inorganic porous membranes: Evaluation of their performance in ultrafltration

M.P. SÁNCHEZ IZQUIERDO, L.G. FERNÁNDEZ, C.O. SORIA, N.A. OCHOA, J. MARCHESE

DESALINATION AND WATER TREATMENT

DESALINATION PUBL

Año: 2009 vol. 12 p. 196 - 201

1944-3994

Flat membranes of polysulfone (PSf)/zirconium oxide (ZrO2) with several oxide percentages were synthesized by  the phase  inversion process  adding ZrO2  to  the  casting  solution. The  efect of inorganic material concentration on the pore mean diameter, on the hydraulic permeability and on the decline of permeate fow in the ultrafltration of an oil emulsion was analyzed. The results indicate that mean pore radius increases with zirconium oxide content. The presence of zirconium oxide in the casting solution produces membranes with a higher hydraulic permeability. There is an optimum oxide concentration for which the stationary permeate fow is 30% higher than that of an oxide-free membrane.