Corrosion resistant ZrO2/SiC ultrafiltration membranes for wastewater treatment and operation in harsh environments

This work focused on the fabrication of a ZrO2/SiC ultrafiltration membrane by dip coating a high porous SiC support with a ZrO2 slurry prepared by ceramic processing. The membranes were sintered in different temperatures (1000−1300 °C). With the optimal temperature, it was obtained a mechanically strong, homogenous, and defect free separation layer with 45 μm of thickness and average pore size of 60 nm. A pure water permeability of 360 L.m−2 h−1 bar-1 and high retentions of humic acid, indigo dye, and hemoglobin were observed. In a pilot test with an olive oil/water emulsion, 99.91 % of oil was removed without fouling. Long-term corrosion tests at basic and acid baths did not cause change in pore size and morphology. In conclusion, the ZrO2/SiC membrane has potential to operate in harsh conditions (e.g. heavily contaminated industrial effluents or urban wastewaters) and when severe membrane cleaning and disinfection are required, such as food and pharmaceutical industries.