Preparation, characterization and permeation property of Al2O3, Al2O3-SiO2 and Al2O3-kaolin hollow fiber membranes

► We examined the effect of the reaction in Al2O3-SiO2 and Al2O3-kaolin systems on Al2O3 hollow fiber membranes. ► We prepared and characterized series of Al2O3, Al2O3-SiO2 and Al2O3-kaolin hollow fiber membranes. ► We found cristobalite in membranes sintered at 1450 °C, and at higher temperature the stoichiometric 3:2 mullite (3Al2O3·2SiO2, or Al6Si2O13) was produced by solid state reaction in Al2O3-SiO2 and Al2O3-kaolin systems. ► With proper quantity controlling, the introduction of SiO2 and kaolin could enhance most performances of Al2O3 hollow fiber membranes.