Robust, Low-Cost Membranes for Hydrogen Production from Coal-Derived Syngas

Hydrogen systems can provide viable, sustainable options for meeting the world¿s energy requirements. This project will develop a novel, low-cost, hydrogen membrane with improved durability for the production of high-purity hydrogen from coal-derived syngas. These membranes would be used in water-gas shift membrane reactors to generate hydrogen from coal via gasification and would offer the following advantages: (1) more hydrogen generation in a single shift reactor; (2) the simplification or comple elimination of downstream hydrogen separation and purification processes; and (3) the production of a high-pressure stream of predominantly CO2, which could be sequestered to mitigate global warming effects. In Phase I, experiments will be conducted to prepare, characterize, and identify appropriate membranes with high hydrogen permeability and selectivity, improved mechanical and chemical properties, low material cost, and excellent scalability. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The membranes should find immediate to use in water-gas shift membrane reactors for high-purity hydrogen generation from coal-derived syngas. The membrane also should be applicable to hydrogen separation in fuel processors used for fuel cell power generation.