Synthesis and characterization of nano-hydroxyapatite membranes for water desalination

This work describes the preparation of ceramic asymmetric nano-filtration membrane based on the application of synthesized nano hydroxyapatite (HA) as an active membrane layer. The support was prepared from commercial platy shape alpha-alumina. The processed discs showed a porous structure with relatively large pores of (7-10 mu m). HA membrane was produced by dipping process in a well-dispersed HA suspension fixed with 10% PVA to reach a membrane layer with thickness 20 mu m, then dried at 100 degrees C and fired at 500 degrees C/3h; these procedures were repeated three times. The characteristics of the obtained membrane were: membrane thickness of about 20 mu m; pore size ranging from 12 to18 nm and porosity of 55%. The obtained membrane showed a permeation flux of 1101 l/hm(2) with salt retention coefficient 73%.