Removal of Dyes and Cd2+ in Water by Kaolin/Calcium Alginate Filtration Membrane

Kaolin/calcium alginate (kaolin/CaAlg) free-standing membranes were prepared by adding different amounts of Kaolin into the sodium alginate (NaAlg) casting solution and crosslinked by Ca2+ using urea as porogen agent. The morphology of the kaolin/CaAlg filtration membrane was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Then the kaolin/CaAlg membrane was used for the removal of dyes and Cd2+. The kaolin significantly improved the mechanical behavior and flux of the kaolin/CaAlg membrane. The flux reached 17.53 L/m(2)h at 0.1 MPa and when the content of Kaolin in NaAlg was 70 wt.%. The filtration of BSA solution and oil-water emulsion indicated that the kaolin/CaAlg composite filtration membrane exhibited good anti-fouling properties. The rejection of Brilliant Blue G250, Congo red, and methylene blue by the kaolin/CaAlg filtration membrane was 100%, 95.22%, and 62.86%, respectively. The removal rate of Cd2+ reached 99.69%, with a flux of 17.06 L/m(2)h at 0.1 MPa.