Transforming Waste to Water Filters: A Mini-Review of Ceramic Membranes from Upcycled Materials

The escalating global water crisis, coupled with the unsustainable accumulation of industrial and urban waste, demands innovative solutions that align with circular economy principles. This review explores the transformative potential of waste-derived ceramic membranes as a sustainable strategy for water purification, simultaneously addressing waste valorization and clean water scarcity. Ceramic membranes, traditionally fabricated from high-purity inorganic materials, are renowned for their superior chemical resistance, thermal stability, and durability. Recent advances demonstrate that industrial byproducts, such as red mud, coal fly ash, blast furnace slag, coal gangue, and kiln roller waste, can be effectively repurposed into cost-effective, high-performance filtration materials. This paper critically examines fabrication techniques, material properties, and performance metrics of waste-derived ceramic membranes. By transforming industrial waste into functional filtration materials, this approach not only mitigates environmental pollution but also contributes to sustainable water security.