Development of a photocatalytic zirconia-titania ultrafiltration membrane with anti-fouling and self-cleaning properties

A photocatalytic Ce-Y-ZrO 2 /TiO ultrafiltration membrane was successfully prepared on a ZrO /SiC support by modified sol-gel process. The top active layer is µm thick, uniform and defect-free. presented molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) of 19 kDa (equivalent to pore size 6 nm) high pure water permeability, 160 Lm ?2 h ?1 bar . hydrophilicity negative surface charge the favoured its great retention proteins (bovine serum albumin, whey protein, hemoglobin), indigo dye, humic acid. effective in photodegrading phenol acid under simulated sun light irradiation. During filtration tests, better anti-fouling properties (smaller flux decline) higher permeate irradiation compared dark. Moreover, self-cleaning were observed irradiating membrane, which enabled recovering up 97% original flux. Consequently, longer operation without chemical cleaning possible, reducing costs process footprint. Further investigation would allow development innovative treatments for dinking wastewaters combining advanced oxidation processes abatement contaminants emerging concern presence natural organic matter. • First SiC support. High permeability (160 L m ) (6 nm). retentions acid, proteins. Photocatalytic activity degradation Anti-fouling sunlight