Fabrication of a Clay Microfiltration Membrane for Air Filtration

In this study, ceramic membranes designed for bacteria removal through filtration have been fabricated using ceramic materials. These membranes consist of a macro-porous support and a thin separation layer. Tubular and flat supports were prepared from quartz sand and calcite using extrusion and roll pressing methods, respectively. The slip casting technique was employed to deposit the clay layer onto these supports. Comprehensive analyses of morphology, microstructures, pore characteristics, and permeability were carried out. The study included an examination of morphology, microstructures, pore characteristics, and permeability. The experimental results indicate that the total porosity and average pore size of the porous ceramic supports, when sintered at 1150°C, are approximately 53% and 5μm, respectively. As for the clay layer, after firing at 580°C, it exhibited a thickness of approximately 50 μm, and the water permeability was estimated to be around 1050 L/h·m²·bar. Finally, the optimized membranes were tested for air sterilization. The filtration results demonstrate the efficiency of the clay-deposited membranes in removing bacteria, resulting in the air being completely free of microorganisms.