Surface engineered alumina microfiltration membranes based on rationally constructed core-shell particles

The surface engineered alumina microfiltration membranes were directly realized based on the rationally designed core-shell particles. Specifically, a thin SiO2 layer was deposited on the Al2O3 particles, and the thus-obtained core-shell particles were then assembled on porous substrates to form the selective layer. The surface of Al2O3@SiO2 core-shell particles was demonstrated to be negatively charged. Benefiting from the SiO2 nanolayers, the membranes consisting of the core-shell structured particles showed improved surface hydrophilicity, water permeability and antifouling properties together with a well-maintained porous structure. Notably, the core-shell membranes presented increased water permeance of 1377.3 ± 18.0 LMH along with a reduction of about 10 % in organic irreversible fouling, compared with the pristine alumina membranes (927.3 ± 8.0 LMH). The surface engineering strategy based on the rationally designed ceramic powders would pave a broad avenue to fabricate highly permeable and antifouling ceramic membranes for water and wastewater treatment.