The influence of inorganic ions on the z-potential of titanium dioxide dispersion and its microfiltration process

The permeate flux of the ceramic membrane in the microfiltration of TiO2 suspension was affected significantly by the solution environment including pH and Ionic strengths. The steady-state flux increased with increasing ionic strength in the presence of electrolytes, NaCl and Na2SO4, and decreasing pH. This was mainly due to the influences of ionic strength and pH on the dispersity of TiO2 suspensions. The results suggested that the influences of inorganic salts on the microfiltration of TiO2 dispersion were related to changes in the surface properties of both the ceramic membrane and TiO2 particles.