Preparation of multilayer polyelectrolyte ceramic membrane for water disinfection

Abstract

A multilayer polyelectrolyte ceramic membrane using LbL was assembly to test performance of water disinfection capability. The natural raw clay material (kaolin) was used as the main ceramic membrane (CM)support. The impact of the number of polyelectrolyte bilayers (2, 4, 6) on the retention of E. coli was systematically investigated. Test results showed water permeability coefficients (Lp) were 85.3 L/m2.h.bar and 69.5, 28.3, 50.1 L/m2.h.bar for pristine (CM0) and ceramic membranes with 2-bilayers (CM2), 4-bilayers (CM4), 6-bilayers (CM6), respectively. Complete retention of E. coli was achieved by the multilayer polyelectrolyte ceramic membrane with 4 bilayers. The surface morphology of the multilayer polyelectrolyte ceramic membrane was identified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the multilayer polyelectrolyte ceramic membrane can be safely applied in providing water disinfection.