Ceramic membranes derived from ferroxane nanoparticles: a new route for the fabrication of iron oxide ultrafiltration membranes

Ferroxane nanoparticles, obtained from reaction of lepidocrocite (FeOOH) and acetic acid at room temperature, were applied to the fabrication of ceramic membranes. The size of the nanoparticles and the kinetics of the reaction were investigated. Ferroxane derived membranes were prepared and characterized by nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Permeability and molecular weight cut off measurements were conducted on asymmetric ferroxane-derived membranes. The average pore size was determined to be 24.11 nm and the BET surface area was 75.6 m2/g. Permeability was measured for membranes with one, two, and three coatings, to determine the effect of thickness of the ferroxane layer on the membrane hydraulic resistance. The MWCO of the ferroxane-derived membranes was 150,000 Da, which falls in the ultra-filtration range.