Improved Processing Methods for High-Temperature Hydrogen Separation Membranes

76229-There is an ever-increasing demand for high-purity hydrogen, and its production from advanced fossil-fuel-based gasification processes will be required as a transitory phase to a hydrogen-based energy economy. Inorganic membranes that operate at approximately 800¿C and that are manufacturable, economic, and robust will be required to extract hydrogen under gasification conditions. While much current research focuses on the basic materials properties of candidate membrane compositions, there also is a need to develop membrane processing approaches so that thin, supported hydrogen-separating membranes can be fabricated at high yield and low cost, and can be readily scaled up. This project will develop and demonstrate novel processing methods for mixed proton-electron-conducting membranes for use in high-temperature hydrogen separation processes. In Phase I, the novel processing methods will be demonstrated by fabricating sub-20 ¿m thickness, mixed-conducting membranes on small porous disk supports. The hydrogen separation properties of these membranes at elevated temperatures will be evaluated using a bench-scale test system. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Large scale, cost-effective hydrogen separation technology should facilitate commercialization of hydrogen-powered vehicles, improve the economics and environmental impact of stationary power generation processes, and lessen the dependence of the Nation¿s economy on foreign oil imports. Other industrial sectors that would benefit from greater hydrogen availability include petroleum refining, metallurgical processing, and chemical manufacturing.