Synthesis and Physicochemical Characterization of Ceramic Membranes from Local Kaolins for Textile Wastewater Remediation: Experimental and Theoretical Approach

This study focuses on the valorization of local raw materials, namely kaolins sourced from Djebel Debagh (Guelma, Algeria), through the development of low-cost ceramic membranes for wastewater treatment applications. Ceramic membranes were prepared using the uniaxial pressing technique. The influence of sintering temperature and kaolin composition on the membranes’ microstructural, mechanical, and adsorption properties was investigated. The results demonstrate that membranes prepared from DD3 kaolin exhibit superior performance compared to those derived from DD1, as well as mixed compositions with lower DD3 content. Sintering temperatures in the range of 800–1200°C significantly affected membrane characteristics, with the DD3 membrane sintered at 1000°C showing the most promising structural and morphological properties. The adsorption performance of the membranes was evaluated using the industrial textile dye Red FBB as a model pollutant. The DD3 membrane exhibited a high dye retention capacity. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to investigate the geometric and electronic structures of the Red FBB dye. The theoretical analysis provided insight into the molecule’s reactivity and potential active adsorption sites, thereby contributing to a better understanding of the dye membrane interaction mechanism.