A Systematic Literature Review of Ceramic Membranes Applications in Water Treatment

Abstract

Ceramic membranes can be described as fine sieves used for separation. They are made from inorganic ceramic materials (zirconia, silicon carbide, alumina, titania, etc.), usually consisting of several layers of one or more ceramic materials. Chemical addition, coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection, commonly with chlorine, are all common methods for treating raw water for municipal drinking water supplies. Many attempts have been made to produce ceramic membranes with superior properties by varying used raw materials for the application of water treatment. Ceramic membrane exhibits good applications in microfiltration and ultrafiltration process for water treatment, which has many advantages like recycling, volume reducing of household wastewater, safe drinking water in remote areas and farms, help in limited drinking water production in developing nations or during humanitarian crises. Microfiltration / ultrafiltration ceramic membranes can be used to remove water turbidity, microorganisms, salinity, organic matter, and disinfection byproduct precursors. However, the hydrophilic surface of membranes can improve antifouling properties. This article reviews a summary on the traditional techniques and different uses of ceramic membranes in water treatment, characteristics of ceramic membranes and different manufacturing technologies of ceramic based membranes.