A Novel Composite Membrane for High Temperature Hydrogen Separation

Increased use of hydrogen as a fuel can provide benefits to our nations energy security, the environment and economic growth. Toward hydrogen economy, an innovation in hydrogen separation technology is needed in the production of hydrogen. Current separation technologies for industrial hydrogen production mainly include pressure swing adsorption process and the cryogenic separation process, which are complicated and energy intensive. Membrane separation in hydrogen production and purification holds the substantial key to the economic viability of our national hydrogen energy systems because of low energy consumption, possibility for continuous operation, its ease of operation, and ultimately cost effectiveness. A novel, robust, high temperature hydrogen separation membrane with high H2 selectivity and permeability, excellent hydrothermal and chemical stability, and excellent durability in the harsh operating conditions will be developed in this program. The composite membrane can be combined with water-gas- shift (WGS) reaction in a membrane reactor system. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: In short term, this novel hydrogen separation technology can be used for industrial hydrogen separation to produce high purity hydrogen gas. It can also be used to treat the flue gas from various chemical processes, such as ammonia synthesis, to recapture the hydrogen. Once fully developed, such membrane could be combined with WGS reaction as one of the key components in coal gasification and steam reforming processes, producing hydrogen and other high-value chemicals with near zero emissions. The membrane reactor for WGS reaction may thus lead to substantial simplifications of the process and reduction of energy consumption for H2 production. Clearly, a novel, robust, high selective and flux, high temperature membrane separation technology will provide tremendous economical, environmental benefits for the general public.