MF-Millipore MCE Mixed Cellulose Ester Membrane Product Introduction: Common Hydrophilic Membrane for Aqueous Filtration, Water Quality Microbiological Testing, and Electrolyte Pre-filtration

I. Product Description

MF-Millipore MCE mixed cellulose ester membranes are a classic series of hydrophilic laboratory microporous membranes made primarily from mixed cellulose ester material. They feature good hydrophilicity, high porosity, stable filtration performance, and a wide range of pore size options. This membrane series is widely used in aqueous sample filtration, water quality microbiological testing, microbial colony counting, particle removal, clarification filtration, electrolyte pre-filtration, and coarse particle pre-filtration applications.

MCE mixed cellulose ester membranes have a clean surface and good wettability, making them suitable for aqueous systems and routine laboratory sample preparation. Depending on application requirements, this series offers pore sizes ranging from 0.025μm to 5μm, covering filtration tasks from ultrafine particle retention and sterilization filtration to microbiological testing, clarification filtration, large particle removal, and coarse pre-filtration.

This series includes different surface formats such as plain white membranes, black grid counting membranes, and coarse pre-filtration membranes. Plain white membranes are suitable for routine filtration and sample clarification; black grid counting membranes are suitable for microbial colony observation and counting; coarse pre-filtration membranes are suitable for pretreatment of high-particle-load samples, reducing clogging of subsequent fine membranes and improving filtration efficiency.

II. Product Specification Comparison Table

III. Product Features and Advantages

1. Good Hydrophilicity for Aqueous Sample Filtration

MCE mixed cellulose ester membranes exhibit good hydrophilic properties, making them suitable for filtration of aqueous solutions, buffers, environmental water samples, culture media, electrolytes, and other aqueous samples. For routine aqueous filtration, complex pre-wetting steps are typically not required, making them convenient to use.

2. Wide Range of Pore Sizes Covering Multiple Filtration Needs

This series offers a variety of pore sizes including 0.025μm, 0.1μm, 0.22μm, 0.3μm, 0.45μm, 0.8μm, 1.2μm, and 5μm, meeting multi-level filtration requirements from ultrafine particle retention and sterilization filtration to microbial testing, clarification filtration, pre-filtration, and coarse particle removal.

3. Suitable for Water Quality Microbiological Testing

MCE membranes are commonly used membrane filtration materials in water quality microbiological testing. After samples pass through the membrane, microorganisms are retained on the membrane surface, and the membrane can then be transferred to culture media for cultivation, observation, and counting. The HAWG black grid counting membrane is particularly suitable for colony observation, as the black background enhances contrast for light-colored colonies, and grid lines facilitate rapid localization and counting.

4. Plain White Surface for Easy Observation and Analysis

Plain white membranes such as VSWP, VCWP, GSWP, PHWP, HAWP, RAWP, and AAWP are suitable for routine filtration, particle retention, and sample preparation. The white surface facilitates observation of particles, sediments, or microbial growth traces, making it suitable for laboratory recording and microscopic analysis.

5. Suitable for Electrolyte Pre-filtration

MCE mixed cellulose ester membranes are suitable for pre-filtration of certain aqueous electrolytes, removing particulate impurities and suspended matter, reducing the risk of clogging in subsequent testing systems, and improving reproducibility in electrochemical testing and materials experiments. For systems containing strong solvents, strong acids, strong bases, or specialty additives, compatibility testing is recommended prior to use.

6. Multiple Diameter Options Compatible with Different Filtration Devices

This series covers common diameter specifications including 13mm, 25mm, 37mm, 47mm, 90mm, and 142mm, compatible with syringe filters, vacuum filtration devices, microbiological testing filter holders, large-volume water sample filtration apparatus, and custom laboratory filter clamps.

IV. Key Application Areas

1. Aqueous Sample Filtration

MF-Millipore MCE mixed cellulose ester membranes can be used for filtration of aqueous solutions, buffers, environmental water samples, culture media, laboratory-prepared solutions, and aqueous electrolytes. Depending on sample clarity and particle size, different pore sizes such as 0.22μm, 0.45μm, 0.8μm, or 1.2μm can be selected.

2. Water Quality Microbiological Testing

This membrane series is suitable for microbiological testing of drinking water, environmental water, industrial water, laboratory water samples, and process water. After retaining microorganisms via membrane filtration, the membrane can be transferred to the surface of culture media for cultivation and colony counting. 0.45μm is a commonly used pore size for water quality microbiological testing, and the HAWG black grid counting membrane is suitable for colony observation and statistics.

3. Microbial Colony Counting

HAWG 0.45μm black grid counting membranes are suitable for microbial colony counting experiments. The black membrane surface enhances visualization of white, light-colored, or translucent colonies, and the grid design facilitates zone counting, colony position recording, and improved statistical efficiency.

4. Electrolyte Pre-filtration

For certain aqueous electrolytes, salt solutions, buffer electrolytes, or materials science experimental solutions, MCE membranes can be used for pre-filtration to remove particulate impurities. Depending on particle load, SMWP 5μm or RAWP 1.2μm can be used for coarse filtration first, followed by HAWP 0.45μm or GSWP 0.22μm for fine filtration.

5. Sterilization Filtration and Fine Particle Retention

GSWP 0.22μm membranes are suitable for finer particle removal and sterilization filtration applications; VCWP 0.1μm and VSWP 0.025μm are suitable for smaller particles or specialized fine particle retention experiments. Actual sterilization efficacy should be evaluated based on sample properties, filtration apparatus, and experimental validation.

6. Clarification Filtration and Sample Preparation

AAWP 0.8μm, RAWP 1.2μm, and SMWP 5μm are suitable for sample clarification, large particle removal, and high-particle-load sample pretreatment, effectively reducing the risk of clogging subsequent fine membranes and improving overall filtration efficiency.

V. Pore Size Selection Guide

VI. Diameter Selection Guide

VII. Usage Guidelines

1. Select Appropriate Pore Size and Diameter

Before use, select the appropriate pore size based on sample type, particle size, filtration volume, and experimental objective. For high-particle samples, stepwise filtration from larger to smaller pore sizes is recommended—for example, pre-filtration with 5μm or 1.2μm first, followed by fine filtration with 0.45μm or 0.22μm.

2. Prepare Filtration Apparatus

Select the appropriate filter clamp, vacuum filtration device, syringe filter, or microbiological testing filter holder based on membrane diameter. Before use, confirm that the membrane diameter matches the support screen, gasket, and filter funnel dimensions to avoid leakage or membrane edge damage.

3. Handle and Place the Membrane

Use clean forceps to handle the membrane by the edges, avoiding direct hand contact with the effective filtration area. Place the membrane flat onto the support surface, ensuring it is free from wrinkles, damage, and contamination, with edges fully compressed by the sealing gasket.

4. Add Sample and Begin Filtration

Add the sample to the filter funnel or filtration device and apply vacuum or pressure gradually. Excessive pressure at the start of filtration should be avoided to prevent membrane rupture, sample splashing, or particle compaction leading to clogging. If filtration speed decreases significantly, replace the membrane or add a pre-filtration step.

5. Microbiological Testing Procedure

For water quality microbiological testing, pass a measured volume of water sample through the membrane to retain microorganisms on the surface. After filtration, use sterile forceps to transfer the membrane to the surface of culture media, ensuring good contact between the membrane and the medium, then incubate and perform colony counting according to the protocol.

6. Electrolyte Pre-filtration Procedure

For electrolyte pre-filtration, first confirm compatibility between the electrolyte system and the MCE membrane material. For samples with high particle load, pre-filtration with SMWP 5μm or RAWP 1.2μm is recommended before fine filtration with HAWP 0.45μm or GSWP 0.22μm to reduce clogging risk.

7. Post-Filtration Processing

If the filtrate is the target, collect the filtrate for subsequent analysis; if membrane-retained material is the target, remove the membrane for culture, microscopic observation, particle analysis, or weighing. Used membranes should be disposed of according to sample properties; for samples involving microorganisms, hazardous chemicals, or electrolytes, follow laboratory safety regulations for disposal.

VIII. Operational Precautions

• MCE mixed cellulose ester membranes are suitable for aqueous sample filtration. Compatibility testing is recommended before use with organic solvents, strong acids, strong bases, or specialty electrolytes.

• Membranes are thin with a microporous structure; avoid folding, stretching, scratching, or localized excessive force during installation.

• High-particle-load samples should not be filtered directly through 0.22μm or smaller pore size membranes; pre-filtration with 5μm, 1.2μm, or 0.8μm is recommended first.

• For microbiological testing, use aseptic technique to avoid environmental contamination affecting culture and counting results.

• When using black grid counting membranes, avoid scratching the grid surface to prevent interference with colony observation and counting.

• Control negative pressure during vacuum filtration; excessive vacuum may cause membrane deformation, rapid sample impact, or particle compaction.

• Membranes are typically single-use consumables and are not recommended for reuse to avoid cross-contamination and pore structure changes.

• When filtering high-viscosity samples, flow rate may decrease significantly; dilution or upgrading to a larger pre-filtration grade may help.

• Different batches, pore sizes, and surface types should not be mixed within the same quantitative experiment.

• For experiments requiring high reproducibility, use the same membrane model, pore size, diameter, filtration pressure, and sample volume consistently.

IX. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What are MF-Millipore MCE mixed cellulose ester membranes primarily used for?
A: They are primarily used for hydrophilic aqueous sample filtration, water quality microbiological testing, microbial colony counting, particle removal, clarification filtration, electrolyte pre-filtration, and coarse particle pre-filtration.

Q2: Are MCE membranes suitable for organic solvent filtration?
A: MCE membranes are better suited for aqueous sample filtration. For organic solvents, strong acids, strong bases, or complex electrolyte systems, compatibility testing with the membrane material is recommended to avoid swelling, deformation, or performance degradation.

Q3: How do I choose between 0.22μm and 0.45μm?
A: 0.22μm is suitable for finer particle removal and sterilization filtration applications; 0.45μm is suitable for routine aqueous filtration, water quality microbiological testing, and sample clarification—it is a commonly used specification in water quality testing.

Q4: What is the difference between HAWP and HAWG?
A: HAWP is a 0.45μm plain white membrane suitable for routine aqueous filtration and water quality testing; HAWG is a 0.45μm black grid counting membrane suitable for microbial colony observation and counting, particularly for identification of light-colored colonies.

Q5: What pore size should I choose for high-particle samples?
A: Pre-filtration with SMWP 5μm, RAWP 1.2μm, or AAWP 0.8μm is recommended first, followed by fine filtration with HAWP 0.45μm or GSWP 0.22μm based on requirements.

Q6: Which membrane is suitable for water quality microbiological testing?
A: HAWP 0.45μm is a commonly used specification for water quality microbiological testing; for easier colony counting and observation, HAWG 0.45μm black grid counting membrane can be selected.

Q7: Which membrane is suitable for electrolyte pre-filtration?
A: For aqueous electrolytes, HAWP 0.45μm, GSWP 0.22μm, RAWP 1.2μm, or SMWP 5μm can be selected based on particle size. For high-particle-load electrolytes, coarse filtration followed by fine filtration is recommended.

Q8: Why is filtration speed slow?
A: Common causes include high particle load, excessively small pore size, high sample viscosity, membrane clogging, or insufficient filtration pressure. Pre-filtration, switching to a larger pore size, diluting the sample, or using a fresh membrane may help.

Q9: Can membranes be reused?
A: Reuse is not recommended, as it may lead to cross-contamination, pore clogging, membrane structure changes, and unstable filtration results. Single use is especially critical for microbiological testing and quantitative analysis.

Q10: What experiments are black grid membranes suitable for?
A: Black grid membranes are suitable for microbial colony counting, colony observation, and water quality microbiological testing. The black background enhances contrast for light-colored colonies, and grid lines facilitate zone-based statistics.

Q11: What is VSWP 0.025μm suitable for?
A: VSWP 0.025μm is suitable for extremely fine particles, colloids, or specialized fine retention experiments. Filtration speed is typically slower, making it suitable for applications with high retention precision requirements.

Q12: What is SMWP 5μm primarily used for?
A: SMWP 5μm is primarily used for coarse particle pre-filtration, suitable for pretreatment of high-particle-load samples, reducing clogging of subsequent small-pore membranes and improving overall filtration efficiency.

X. Product Summary

MF-Millipore MCE mixed cellulose ester membranes are classic laboratory membranes suitable for hydrophilic aqueous filtration, water quality microbiological testing, microbial colony counting, electrolyte pre-filtration, and sample clarification. This series covers pore sizes from 0.025μm to 5μm and offers different surface formats including plain white, black grid counting, and coarse pre-filtration membranes, meeting multi-level filtration needs from fine particle retention to coarse particle pre-filtration.

For ultrafine particle retention, choose VSWP 0.025μm or VCWP 0.1μm; for sterilization filtration and fine aqueous filtration, choose GSWP 0.22μm; for water quality microbiological testing and routine filtration, choose HAWP 0.45μm; for colony counting, choose HAWG 0.45μm black grid membrane; for large particle pre-filtration and high-particle-load samples, choose RAWP 1.2μm, AAWP 0.8μm, or SMWP 5μm. Proper selection of pore size, surface type, and membrane diameter can effectively improve filtration efficiency, experimental reproducibility, and detection result reliability.

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Partial references citing our materials (from Google Scholar)

Carbon Dioxide Reduction

1. ACS Nano Strain Relaxation in Metal Alloy Catalysts Steers the Product Selectivity of Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction

The bipolar membrane (Fumasep FBM) in this paper was purchased from SCI Materials Hub, which was used in rechargeable Zn-CO₂ battery tests. The authors reported a strain relaxation strategy to determine lattice strains in bimetal MNi alloys (M = Pd, Ag, and Au) and realized an outstanding CO₂-to-CO Faradaic efficiency of 96.6% with outstanding activity and durability toward a Zn-CO₂ battery.

2. Front. Chem. Boosting Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction on Atomically Dispersed Nickel Catalyst

In this paper, Vulcan XC-72R was purchased from SCI Materials Hub. Vulcan XC 72R carbon is the most common catalyst support used in the anode and cathode electrodes of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFC), Direct Methanol Fuel Cells (DMFC), Alkaline Fuel Cells (AFC), Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC), Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cells (PAFC), and many more!

3. Adv. Mater. Partially Nitrided Ni Nanoclusters Achieve Energy-Efficient Electrocatalytic CO₂ Reduction to CO at Ultralow Overpotential

An AEM membrane (Sustainion X37-50 Grade RT, purchased from SCI Materials Hub) was activated in 1 M KOH for 24 h, washed with ultra-purity water prior to use.

4. Adv. Funct. Mater. Nanoconfined Molecular Catalysts in Integrated Gas Diffusion Electrodes for High-Current-Density CO₂ Electroreduction

In this paper (Supporting Information), an anion exchanged membrane (Fumasep FAB-PK-130 obtained from SCI Materials Hub (www.scimaterials.cn)) was used to separate the catholyte and anolyte chambers.

SCI Materials Hub: we also recommend our Fumasep FAB-PK-75 for the use in a flow cell.

5. Appl. Catal. B Efficient utilization of nickel single atoms for CO₂ electroreduction by constructing 3D interconnected nitrogen-doped carbon tube network

In this paper, the Nafion 117 membrane was obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

6. Vacuum Modulable Cu(0)/Cu(I)/Cu(II) sites of Cu/C catalysts derived from MOF for highly selective CO₂ electroreduction to hydrocarbons

In this paper, Proton exchange membrane (Nafion 117), Nafion D520, and Toray 060 carbon paper were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

7. National Science Review Confinement of ionomer for electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction via efficient mass transfer pathways

An anion exchange membrane (PiperION-A15-HCO3) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

8. Catalysis Communications Facilitating CO2 electroreduction to C2H4 through facile regulating {100} & {111} grain boundary of Cu2O

Carbon paper (TGPH060), membrane solution (Nafion D520), and ionic membrane (Nafion N117) were obtained from Wuhu Eryi Material Technology Co., Ltd (a company under SCI Materials Hub).

Batteries

1. J. Mater. Chem. A Blocking polysulfides with a Janus Fe3C/N-CNF@RGO electrode via physiochemical confinement and catalytic conversion for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries

Graphene oxide (GO) in this paper was obtained from SCI Materials Hub. The authors introduced a Janus Fe3C/N-CNF@RGO electrode consisting of 1D Fe3C decorated N-doped carbon nanofibers (Fe3C/N-CNFs) side and 2D reduced graphene oxide (RGO) side as the free-standing carrier of Li2S6 catholyte to improve the overall electrochemical performance of Li-S batteries.

2. Joule A high-voltage and stable zinc-air battery enabled by dual-hydrophobic-induced proton shuttle shielding

This paper used more than 10 kinds of materials from SCI Materials Hub and the authors gave detailed properity comparsion.

The commercial IEMs of Fumasep FAB-PK-130 and Nafion N117 were obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

Gas diffusion layers of GDL340 (CeTech) and SGL39BC (Sigracet) and Nafion dispersion (Nafion D520) were obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

Zn foil (100 mm thickness) and Zn powder were obtained from the SCI Materials Hub.

Commercial 20% Pt/C, 40% Pt/C and IrO2 catalysts were also obtained from SCI Materials Hub.

3. Journal of Energy Chemistry Vanadium oxide nanospheres encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanofibers with morphology and defect dual-engineering toward advanced aqueous zinc-ion batteries

In this paper, carbon cloth (W0S1011) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub. The flexible carbon cloth matrix guaranteed the stabilization of the electrode and improved the conductivity of the cathode.

4. Energy Storage Materials Defect-abundant commercializable 3D carbon papers for fabricating composite Li anode with high loading and long life

The 3D carbon paper (TGPH060 raw paper) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

5. Nanomaterials A Stable Rechargeable Aqueous Zn–Air Battery Enabled by Heterogeneous MoS2 Cathode Catalysts

Nafion D520 (5 wt%), and carbon paper (GDL340) were received from SCI-Materials-Hub.

6. SSRN An Axially Directed Cobalt-Phthalocyanine Covalent Organic Polymer as High-Efficient Bifunctional Catalyst for Zn-Air Battery

Carbon cloth (W0S1011) and other electrochemical consumables required for air cathode were provided by SCI Materials Hub.

Oxygen Reduction Reaction

1. J. Chem. Eng. Superior Efficiency Hydrogen Peroxide Production in Acidic Media through Epoxy Group Adjacent to Co-O/C Active Centers on Carbon Black

In this paper, Vulcan XC 72 carbon black, ion membrane (Nafion N115, 127 μL), Nafion solution (D520, 5 wt%), and carbon paper (AvCarb GDS 2230 and Spectracarb 2050A-1050) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

2. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science Gaining insight into the impact of electronic property and interface electrostatic field on ORR kinetics in alloy engineering via theoretical prognostication and experimental validation

The 20 wt% Pt3M (M = Cr, Co, Cu, Pd, Sn, and Ir) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub. This work places emphasis on the kinetics of the ORR concerning Pt3M (M = Cr, Co, Cu, Pd, Sn, and Ir) catalysts, and integrates theoretical prognostication and experimental validation to illuminate the fundamental principles of alloy engineering.

Water Electrolysis

1. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy Gold as an efficient hydrogen isotope separation catalyst in proton exchange membrane water electrolysis

The cathodic catalysts of Pt/C (20 wt%, 2–3 nm) and Au/C (20 wt%, 4–5 nm) were purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

2. Small Science Silver Compositing Boosts Water Electrolysis Activity and Durability of RuO2 in a Proton-Exchange-Membrane Water Electrolyzer

Two fiber felts (0.35 mm thickness, SCI Materials Hub) were used as the porous transport layers at both the cathode and the anode.

3. Advanced Functional Materials Hierarchical Crystalline/Amorphous Heterostructure MoNi/NiMoOx for Electrochemical Hydrogen Evolution with Industry-Level Activity and Stability

Anion-exchange membrane (FAA-3-PK-130) was obtained from SCI Materials Hub website.

Fuel Cells

1. Polymer Sub-two-micron ultrathin proton exchange membrane with reinforced mechanical strength

Gas diffusion electrode (60% Pt/C, Carbon paper) was purchased from SCI Materials Hub.

Characterization

1. Chemical Engineering Journal Electrochemical reconstitution of Prussian blue analogue for coupling furfural electro-oxidation with photo-assisted hydrogen evolution reaction

An Au nanoparticle film was deposited on the total reflecting plane of a single reflection ATR crystal (SCI Materials Hub, Wuhu, China) via sputter coater.