Abdelmjid Bouazizi

Title : Low-cost ceramic TiO2-doped ZrO2/pozzolan-based nanofiltration membrane for removal of dyes and heavy metal solutions

Abstract:

In this investigation, we developed membranes with a structural composite layering designed to achieve heightened mechanical strength and minimal resistance to fluid flow. The tubular pozzolan support was created using the extrusion technique, and the sintering process at 950 °C resulted in a porosity of 40.5%, water permeability of 1520 L/h.m².bar, and robust mechanical resistance of 20 MPa. This support served as the base for an intermediate layer, formed through the slip-casting process, involving nano-TiO₂ and subsequent sintering at 750 °C, resulting in an average pore diameter of 12 ± 0.5 nm and water permeability of 260 L/h.m².bar.The activated nanofiltration layer was successfully fabricated using a modified colloidal sol-gel process, employing a combination of Zr-inorganic salts and Ti-alkoxide. This was followed by slip-casting and sintering at 550 °C. Characterization through XRD, SEM, and Nitrogen sorption confirmed the formation of the TDZ (TiO₂-doped ZrO₂) membrane. The resulting TDZ/TiO₂/Pozzolan membrane demonstrated exceptional features, including an average pore diameter of 2.5 nm and water permeability of 20.5 L/h.m².bar. This cost-effective nanofiltration membrane exhibited high efficiency in removing both dyes and heavy metals. The rejection rates for methyl orange and methylene blue were 94.2% and 99.36%, respectively. Additionally, the membrane demonstrated impressive rejection rates of 99.6%, 99.2%, and 99.4% for Cd(NO₃)₂, Pb(NO₃)₂, and Cr(NO₃)₃, respectively.

Keywords: Membrane; Pozzolan; TiO₂-doped ZrO₂, nanofiltration, dyes; heavy metal

Audience Take-Away:

• The audience will gain insights into the development and evaluation of a high-performance tubular nanofiltration membrane incorporating TiO2-doped ZrO2 on pozzolan support. Understanding the membrane's application in the filtration of dyes and heavy metal solutions. Insights into the specific characteristics and advantages of the developed membrane for water treatment.
• The audience will learn about the practical applications of the developed membrane in treating water contaminated with dyes and heavy metals. They will gain knowledge on the structural and compositional aspects of the membrane, enabling them to apply similar principles in their own membrane development projects. Understanding the evaluation criteria can guide the audience in assessing and improving existing nanofiltration membranes.
• Professionals in water treatment and membrane technology will benefit from the improved membrane design, potentially leading to more efficient and effective filtration processes. Researchers and engineers can use the findings to enhance their own membrane development projects, contributing to advancements in water purification technology.
• The research could serve as a valuable reference for faculty and researchers in the fields of membrane technology, materials science, and environmental engineering. The findings may be incorporated into teaching materials to educate students on advanced membrane design and its applications.
• The development of a high-performance tubular nanofiltration membrane suggests a practical solution for designers and engineers involved in creating efficient water treatment systems. The use of TiO₂-doped ZrO₂ on pozzolan support indicates an innovative approach that could simplify membrane design and manufacturing processes.
• The research is likely to contribute new information that can assist in designing more accurate and effective nanofiltration membranes.
• Insights into the incorporation of TiO₂-doped ZrO₂ on pozzolan support may lead to improved design strategies for membranes used in the filtration of dyes and heavy metal solutions.
• Potential environmental benefits through improved water treatment processes. Enhanced understanding of nanofiltration membrane materials and their performance. Contribution to the scientific community's knowledge on advanced membrane technologies. Possible applications in industries requiring efficient water purification methods.

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 18 research articles that have garnered more than 927 citations, reflecting his significant impact in his field. His academic influence is further highlighted by an H-index of 13. He holds the distinction of being the inventor of two international patents related to the cost-effective preparation of nanofiltration membranes. 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