Preparation of a new ceramic microfiltration membrane with a separation layer of attapulgite nanofibers

• The separation layer of new ceramic membrane was made of attapulgite nanofibers.
• The membrane has an average pore size of 0.250 µm and a porosity of about 54%.
• The pure water flux of the membrane reached 1540 L/(m2 h bar).
• The membrane was able to reject all the calcium carbonate particles in suspension.
• The membrane was able to be easily regenerated by backwashing and used repeatedly.

To improve the performance of ceramic membranes and reduce their costs, a new ceramic microfiltration membrane with a separation layer made of attapulgite nanofibers was fabricated by dip-coating on the inner surface of ɑ-alumina tubular supports. The membrane has a separation layer of attapulgite nanofibers without evident defects and exhibits excellent interface properties, showing good adherence to the ɑ-alumina substrate. The nanofiber membrane has an average pore size of 0.250 μm, thickness of approximately 6.7 μm, and a pure water flux of 1540 L/(m2 h bar). The membrane was able to reject all the calcium carbonate particles in suspension, and showed a steady permeate flux of approximately 980 L/(m2 h bar). In addition, the membrane can be easily regenerated by backwashing without any damage, and therefore used repeatedly.