Synthesis of zeolite membrane (NaY/alumina): Effect of precursor of ceramic support and its application in the process of oil–water separation

The aim of this work was to evaluate the properties of support ceramic (gamma or alpha-alumina) for emulsion oil/water separation. Zeolite membrane (NaY/alumina) was prepared on alumina disk by secondary method (rubbing) and the influence of the ceramic supports have been investigated. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mercury porosimetry, Mechanical strength, Scanning electron microscopy, Method Bubble point, contact angle and permeation with water pure. The separation of emulsion oil–water emulsion was evaluated on a stainless steel module. From the XRD results of the individual materials, it can be observed the formation of all the characteristic peaks for each material. From the SEM image of these materials, it can be seen that the surface of the alpha-alumina or gamma-alumina is completely covered with Y zeolite crystals. In the contact angle, it was noticed that the ceramic supports and the zeolitic membranes presented an angle equal to zero, corresponding to a strong hydrophilicity. The performance in the selectivity for fabricated membranes demonstrated that zeolite membranes NaY/alpha-alumina and NaY/gamma-alumina showed excellent results due to the formation of the selective zeolite NaY layer formed on the surface of the alpha and gamma alumina ceramic supports. The cleaning process on reused membranes proved to be efficient, obtaining more than 90% of its recovered flux.