Characterization of three low UF mineral membranes by streaming potential measurements

The streaming potential measured through the wall of a charged ceramic UF membrane is a relevant parameter to predict the retention properties of the considered membrane for ionic solutions. It is more satisfying than the electrophoretic measurement of the material particles used to prepare the membrane

Whatever the membranes tested and the filtered salts, the rejection rates depend on the pH of the solution and follow the streaming potential variations measured across the membrane. The comparison of the sign and the absolute value of the streaming potential confirms that whatever the membrane used, the rejection rates are always in agreement with the streaming potential measurements. These observations tend to prove that the streaming potential is a good parameter to predict the rejection rate of a charged mineral low ultrafiltration membrane.