Synthesis and characterization of ultrafiltration ceramic membranes used in the separation of macromolecular proteins

Abstract In this work, low-cost ceramic clay ultra-filtration membranes have been fabricated with a low sintering temperature, using natural aluminosilicate nanotubes (Halloysite) for the separation of macromolecular proteins. Tubular supports for membranes were prepared from quartz sand and calcite (natural materials) using the extrusion method. The effect of calcination temperatures on the structure of the membrane supports was studied in order to obtain the appropriate average pore size (APS) and porosity. Using the slip casting technique, two layers were deposited on the supports. The titania (TiO2) intermediate layer and the Halloysite top-layer were sintered at 1050 and 580 °C, respectively. The membranes were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, porosity; pores size distribution, water permeability and scanning electron microscopy. Finally, capability for proteins separation (proteins used include: bovine serum albumin, egg albumin and casein), is evaluated.