Abstract:
In this investigation, the membranes are a typical example of structural composite layering that ensures high mechanical strength and low resistance to fluid passage. The tubular support of pozzolan was made by extrusion technique. Sintered support at 950 °C, leads to obtained porosity of 40.5%, water permeability of 1520 L/h.m2.bar and good mechanical resistance of 20 MPa. This support was used for development of intermediate layer by slip-casting process using nano-TiO2 and followed by sintering at 750 °C. The average pore diameter and water permeability of the obtained layer are respectively 12 ± 0.5 nm and 260 L/h.m2.bar. The activated layer of nanofiltration was successfully fabricated via a modified colloidal sol-gel process using a mixture of Zr-inorganic salts and Ti-alkoxide and deposited by slip-casting. The resulting TDZ (TiO2-doped ZrO2) membrane was sintered at 550 °C and characterized by XRD, SEM and Nitrogen sorption. The as-prepared membrane (TDZ/TiO2/Pozzolan) exhibits high performances in terms of average pore diameter (2.5 nm) and water permeability (20.5/h.m2.bar). The prepared low-cost nanofilration membrane has a high efficiency for both dyes and heavy metal removal. The rejection of methyl orange and methylene blue are respectively 94.2% and 99.36%, while the rejection of Cd(NO3)2, Pb(NO3)2 and Cr(NO3)3 are 99.6, 99.2 and 99.4% respectively.
Keywords: Membrane; Pozzolan; TiO2-doped ZrO2, Nanofiltration, Dyes; Heavy Metal
Biography:
Dr. Abdelmjid Bouazizi presently holds the position of Professor at the Department of Sciences within the Ecole normale superieure, Moulay Ismail University of Meknes, Morocco, and he is a member of the Laboratory of Materials, Membranes, and Nanotechnology at Faculty of Sciences, Moulay Ismail University.He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Physical Sciences in 2011 from the Faculty of Sciences and Technologies (FST) at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, Morocco. He further pursued his academic journey by obtaining a Magister degree in 2014 and a Ph.D in 2019, both in the field of Materials Science and Environment, from the FST of Mohammedia at Hassan II University of Casablanca. Dr. Bouazizi's primary research interests revolve around ceramic membrane technologies. Notably, he has made significant contributions to the development and characterization of cost-effective nanofiltration membranes based on clay and phosphate materials, primarily utilized for the rejection of dyes and metal cations. His exceptional work led him to be honored with the prestigious Hassan II University of Casablanca Best Thesis Award in 2019. Dr.Bouazizi has amassed extensive expertise in both academic and research domains, particularly in the characterization of nanomaterials. His efforts have extended to encompass the preparation and evaluation of affordable microfiltration, ultrafiltration, and nanofiltration membranes using clay, pozzolan, and phosphate substrates, aimed at efficient dyes and metal cations separation. With a prolific publication record, he has authored over 17 research articles that have garnered more than 900 citations, reflecting his significant impact in his field. His academic influence is further highlighted by an H-index of 13. Dr.Bouazizi's contributions extend beyond written research, as he has actively presented his work at various renowned national and international conferences. He is deeply engaged in scientific projects and actively serves as a reviewer for multiple prestigious international journals. Furthermore, he holds membership in various international associations, notably including the Moroccan Membrane and Desalination Society.
