In a recent major development in scientific research, scientists at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR-NEIST) have developed a ceramic membrane. This innovative membrane has been crafted using a unique mixture of potter’s clay, stone dust, and tea waste and is proficient in purifying toxic effluents.
The membrane underwent testing on effluents sourced from a textile unit, demonstrating its capability of removing adsorptive dyes from wastewater efficiently. This scientific exploration received funding support from the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
Applications of the Ceramic Membrane
The ceramic filters, especially, are saviors in the petrochemical processing industry where utilizing organic membranes is unfeasible. These membranes capacitate discoloring two commonly used dyes – methylene blue and Congo red -from water. The significance of this feature lies in the fact that while methylene blue is a toxic dye, Congo red is an identified carcinogenic agent.
The ceramic filters and membranes find extensive applications in multiple sectors such as food and beverage, drugs and chemicals, waste recovery, and recycling industries.
Characteristics of Ceramic Membranes
Ceramic membranes showcase exemplary endurance towards frequent cleaning, harsh operating environments, and circumstances that involve continuous flows of material. They can be regenerated over several cycles and employed for separating both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions.
The ceramic membrane devised by CSIR-NEIST exhibits exceptional thermal and chemical stability. Interestingly, the expended membrane can also be regenerated by heating it at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, with no significant loss of efficiency.
| Durability | Handles frequent cleaning and harsh environments |
| Regenerability | Can be regenerated over numerous cycles |
| Uses | Able to separate both aqueous and non-aqueous solutions |
About CSIR
The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is an autonomous research and development entity established by the Government of India in 1942. It encompasses a broad spectrum of science and technology – ranging from radio and space physics, oceanography, geophysics, chemicals, drugs, genomics, biotechnology, nanotechnology to mining, aeronautics, instrumentation, environmental engineering, and information technology.
Through its commendable work, CSIR provides significant technological intervention in many areas concerning societal efforts. Some of these areas include environment, health, drinking water, food, housing, energy, farm, and non-farm sectors.
Noteworthy Achievements of CSIR
CSIR has several firsts to its credit. It was the pioneer in introducing DNA fingerprinting in India. It also designed and developed India’s first-ever all-composite aircraft Hansa. Furthermore, CSIR is the proud creator of India’s first 14-seater plane ‘SARAS’.
Other achievements include the production of baby food from buffalo milk, named Amulspray, and the indelible ink used in the country’s elections. CSIR has also completed the first Complete Genome Sequencing of an Indian and developed the first indigenous “Electronic Nose” to detect toxic fumes.