Preparation of ZnO nanorods or SiO2 nanoparticles grafted onto basalt ceramic membrane and the use for E. coli removal from water

Abstract This article addresses the fabrication of a novel and eco-friendly ceramic membrane based on basalt powder via press and sintering methods with a pore size of 1.5–2 μm. The basalt ceramic membrane (BCM) was grafted by SiO2 nanoparticles (50–60 nm) and ZnO nanorods (2.2 μm). The water permeability for the prepared membranes was measured 345.3, 701.4, and 801.9 L/m2 h bar for bare BCM, SiO2-BCM, and ZnO-BCM, respectively. The prepared membranes were used in Escherichia coli (E. coli) removal, and 100% E. coli removal efficiency was achieved at a transmembrane pressure of 0.5 bar for all membranes. The antimicrobial activities of the solid surfaces for BCM, SiO2-BCM, and ZnO-BCM were also studied using E. coli as a model test microorganisms. The antimicrobial activities for bare BCM, SiO2-BCM, and ZnO-BCM were 20.57%, 74.90%, and 100%, respectively. The results are of great importance in terms of the reusability of membranes and the prevention of biofilm formation in wastewater treatment processes.