Alumina-based Nanofibrous Ceramic Membrane as a Filtration Platform

Innovation in filters for fluids today focus on filtration efficiency, capacity, service life, and replacement cost reduction. This research examines a mullite-like Boria-Alumina nanofibrous (B-Al NF) ceramic membrane's surface morphology, structural and mechanical properties, and porosity as a filter platform with application in filter efficiency and capacity fabricated by a novel electrohydrodynamic technique. The B-Al NF membranes were produced by alternating field electrospinning (AFES) due to this method's high production rate. AFES is capable of producing highly porous materials with pore sizes optimal to filter microparticulate matter. The B-Al NF membranes were annealed from 800oC to 1200oC to improve material ductility and determine thermal effects on crystalline structure. The optimal annealing temperature was determined through tensile testing where the 1000°C annealed B-Al NF membrane had a Young's modulus of 0.61±0.02MPa. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of the best performing B-Al NF membrane showed smooth fibers with 350±100nm diameters and high specific surface area of 50m2/g. The membrane shows porosity of 99.7% allowing for high flowrate of liquid. Fluid filtration testing and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy shows the B-Al NF membranes as effective filtration platforms. The B-Al NF ceramic membrane fabricated with AFES show strong potential for filter efficiency, capacity, structural integrity, and signs of microparticulate collection.