Electric Field Driven Nano-Layer Membrane For O2 Separation

C58-12b-281705-Abstract This proposal is in response to DOE topic C58-12b, which seeks a cost-effective method to separate pure O2 from air. We propose the development of very thin and active nano-layer electrochemical O2 pump structures on porous tubular supports. Starting from proof-of-concept samples and data achieved in earlier work, both flux and selectivity of the process will be further increased. Application of the electrochemical O2 pump structures will ensure more energy-efficient production of high purity O2 from air. The separation Cost-effective nano-layer electrochemical O2 pumps will be deposited on porous ceramic tubular supports. The feasibility of this approach will be demonstrated with performance measurements on standardized air streams to set baseline O2 purities and flow rates that can be compared against current membrane technologies. Following are the key objectives of Phase I Intact electrochemical O2 pump structure inside a tubular support with 22?25 mm diameter and a workable length of >25 cm.?O2 flux of >0.01 mol/(m2s) and a selectivity of >500 for O2 with an air feed at 1 Bar and a pure O2 permeate at a pressure of 2 Bar.?Leak-tight sealing and electrode contacting structure.?The availability of pure O2 at a greatly reduced price will be essential for the success of many industries such as steel making, production of chemicals, water treatment, agriculture, and medical applications, as well as the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and paper. The availability of ôcheapö O2 will benefit, in particular, next generation electricity production via oxy-fuel combustion, and Integrated Gasification and Combustion Cycle (IGCC) operation. The use of pure O2 or enriched air in combustion offers the additional advantage of more effective CO2 capture due to a higher concentration in the exhaust or ôflue gasö and fewer byproducts. We hope to ultimately use our membrane technology in IGCC power plants where the existing conditions of the coal-fired plant allow our membrane processes to concentrate oxygen at an estimated capital cost per ton O2 per day less than half of cryogenic distillation and pressure/vacuum absorption technologies, and operational cost of approximately 1/3 these current technologies. A nearer term market that can be entered into is metal fabrication where electrochemical pumping would deliver oxygen without the cost of transporting cylinders to and from worksites and would offset the safety concerns of pressurized cylinders being onsite. An all-ceramic oxygen concentrator can also be used in numerous applications in the nuclear industries as well as high energy physics where radiation in all forms quickly destroys polymeric components. Summary for members of congress We are developing thin voltage-driven membranes on alumina supports to enable cost-effective production of O2 from air. This O2 is needed in several industries, for medical application, more efficient and clean transport, and power generation.