Synthesis of novel titania membrane support via combustion synthesis route and its application in decolorization of aqueous effluent using microfiltration

Abstract

A simple preparation method for synthesizing porous ceramic membrane support was developed from nanocrystalline titania powder using solution combustion synthesis. Different characteristics of combustion-synthesized titania membranes such as surface morphology, porosity, pore size, pure water and solvent permeability were measured using advanced characterization techniques. Novel titania membrane support sintered at 450 °C showed mean pore diameter 0.33 µm, porosity of about 77.5 %, and pure water permeability 20.31 × 10⁻⁵ L h⁻¹ m⁻² Pa⁻¹. Combustion-synthesized titania membrane supports were used in decolorization of commercial dye-based ink effluent using microfiltration. Effects of different parameters such as pressure, initial concentration of ink effluent, and pH on decolorization of ink effluent were studied. Furthermore, combustion-synthesized titania membranes operated at lower pressure (1 × 10⁵ Pa) showed significant color removal (>99 %) and moderate chemical oxygen demand reduction with lower membrane fouling during decolorization of water-based ink effluent.