The influence of Cl−, SO42− and PO43− ions on the ζ-potential and microfiltration of titanium dioxide dispersions

In this paper the influences of pH and ionic strength on ceramic membrane microfiltration of TiO2 dispersions were studied. A series of crossflow microfiltration experiments was carried out at various pH values, ionic strengths and with various multivalent inorganic salts. The filtration behaviour was analyzed based on measurements of zeta potential of alumina membrane and TiO2 particles. Results showed that inorganic anions affect the microfiltration of TiO2 dispersion by changing the surface properties of both the alumina membrane and TiO2 particles. The particles environment affects the dispersion of TiO2 particles and plays a major role in the filtration flux.