Abstract ABSTRACT An alumina‐coated ceramic membrane supported on Fuller's earth membrane (0.17 µm pore size, 39% porosity) was hydrothermally fabricated and evaluated for protein recovery from Moringa oleifera leaves and for water purification. Ultrasonication‐assisted extraction yielded the maximum protein concentration at 55 min, beyond which denaturation reduced recovery. Quantification by the Lowry method revealed a peak absorbance of 1.49 at 750 nm, confirming 55 min as the optimal extraction time. Structural and surface analyses by XRD, FTIR, and FE‐SEM verified the formation of crystalline Al 2 O 3 , hydroxyl‐rich surface functionalities, and a uniform, crack‐free alumina coating strongly adhered to the ceramic substrate. These features enhanced hydrophilicity, selectivity, and antifouling properties. During filtration, turbidity decreased from 7 NTU to nearly 0 NTU corresponding to approximately100% turbidity removal, and absorbance at 750 nm dropped from 1.37 to 0.29 resulting in 79% removal, indicating efficient removal of suspended solids and proteins. The permeate pH increased from 5.9–6.0 to 7.2–8.0, reflecting ionic redistribution across the membrane, while total dissolved solids increased slightly, suggesting limited salt rejection. Flux behavior exhibited typical pressure‐driven stabilization after initial fouling. Overall, the hydrothermally synthesized alumina‐coated Fuller's earth membrane demonstrates a cost‐effective, durable, and sustainable platform for selective protein separation and water purification, highlighting its potential for environmentally benign bioprocessing and clean water technologies.
Kanth et al. (Wed,) studied this question.