A Review on the Production and Purification of Biomass-Derived Hydrogen Using Emerging Membrane Technologies

Abstract

Abstract:Hydrogen energy systems are recognized as a promising solution for the energy shortage and environmental pollution crises. To meet the increasing demand for hydrogen, various possible systems have been investigated for the production of hydrogen by efficient and economical processes. Because of its advantages of being renewable and environmentally friendly, biomass processing has the potential to become the major hydrogen production route in the future. Membrane technology provides an efficient and cost-effective solution for hydrogen separation and greenhouse gas capture in biomass processing. In this review, the future prospects of using gas separation membranes for hydrogen production in biomass processing are extensively addressed from two perspectives: (1) the current development status of hydrogen separation membranes made of different materials and (2) the feasibility of using these membranes for practical applications in biomass-derived hydrogen production. Different types of hydrogen separation membranes, including polymeric membranes, dense metal membranes, microporous membranes (zeolite, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), silica, etc.) are systematically discussed in terms of their fabrication methods, gas permeation performance, structure stability properties, etc. In addition, the application feasibility of these membranes in biomass processing is assessed from both practical and economic perspectives. The benefits and possibilities of using membrane reactors for hydrogen production in biomass processing are also discussed. Lastly, we summarize the limitations of the currently available hydrogen membranes as well as the gaps between research achievements and industrial application. We also propose expected research directions for the future development of hydrogen gas membrane technology.

Progress in Modeling of Silica-Based Membranes and Membrane Reactors for Hydrogen Production and Purification

“…Palladium membranes were mostly applied in MRs for high-grade hydrogen generation [22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29], but in recent years several scientists investigated other membrane materials to evaluate the effectiveness of non Pd-based membranes applied to MRs, with the main purpose of achieving more economical solutions than Pd-based membranes utilization [30,31]. Compared to other membranes, silica membranes and their applications in MRs for hydrogen generation received particular attention since they are cheaper, show higher permeability and result in more robust than Pd-based membranes [30,[32][33][34][35].…”

Advances in Methanol Production and Utilization, with Particular Emphasis toward Hydrogen Generation via Membrane Reactor Technology

“…However, most of the open literature dedicated to hydrogen generation via MR technology is devoted to the investigation of inorganic membranes application [82,86,87,88,89]. Currently, the operating modality of membranes housed in a MR can be subdivided as reported below:Extractor modality: The membrane selectively removes hydrogen from the reaction mixture for permeation.Distributor modality: The membrane allows the controlled addition of hydrogen to the reaction mixture.Contactor modality: The membrane emphasizes the contact within reactants and catalyst.…”

1,3‐Propane Diamine/1,4‐Butane Diamine Cross‐linking Modification of Polyimide Membrane for Hydrogen Selective Separation: Effect of Diamine Mixture Ratio

“…It is necessary to explore for alternative energy and new sustainable energy system to respond to the challenge and problem mentioned. Hydrogen (H 2 ) is the one of the most common elements in the universe, and H 2 energy is considered as one of the most promising solutions to overcome the issues because of its high energy content (143 GJ/ton) and low greenhouse emission . H 2 demand is being met by producing H 2 gas through conventional processes such as steam reforming, partial oxidation, and water splitting methods, but the processes are relied on the use of finite fossil sources that are highly energy intensive and relatively not environmental‐friendly .…”

“…Both academic researchers and industry professionals are currently attracted by membrane gas separation technology because of its unique characteristics. Membrane gas separation is simple to operate, is environmentally safe, and has low energy requirement . Higher conversion and higher purification of the product can be achieved by utilizing a membrane, which combine the catalytic reactor and membrane separation.…”