ABSTRACT
In this chapter, several characterization techniques to understand the thermal, mechanical, chemical, and morphological study of ceramic membranes are discussed elaborately with pictorial presentation. Studies to investigate the permeability of ceramic membranes such as liquid and gas permeation are also reported. Characterization techniques—for example, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mercury porosimetry, perporometry, thermoporometry, gas adsorption/desorption isotherms, Archimedes’ principle, bubble point, and measurement of solute rejection—are explained with operating principles for morphological characterization of ceramic membranes. Additionally, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and the three-point bend test for determining the thermal stability and flexural strength are deliberated. Furthermore, the fracture toughness and hardness test for mechanical stability and the acid–alkali test for the measurement of chemical stability are also mentioned. Some other techniques, such as the contact angle measurement for wettability test, zeta potential for surface charge measurement, and the x-ray diffractometer for the measurement of crystallinity of ceramic membranes, are also briefly described.
