Developments and Design of Novel (Non-Palladium-Based) Metal Membranes for Hydrogen Separation

Abstract

Hydrogen separation membrane devices are attracting increasing interest for the industrial production of hydrogen. Metal membranes, in particular, are promising due to their resilience to the demands of a typical hydrogen purification process. However, the use of too much Pd within the membranes limits their wide-scale industrial use due to excessive costs. The present article reviews the design, preparation, operation, and critical performance features of novel non-Pd-based alloys. The theory behind the permeation of hydrogen through metal membranes is presented as well as the materials and methods central to their design and improvement. Crystalline, amorphous, and thin layer metal membranes are contrasted, while the advanced experimental techniques and mechanical tests for their characterization are discussed. The review considers the design of novel metal membranes from first principles and assesses catalytic and protective surface layers which may enhance their hydrogen separation capabilities.

The influence of the nanostructure on the effect of CO2 on the properties of Pd–Ag thin-film for H2 separation

“…The H 2 permeability of the two thin films is in agreement with the values reported in literature, taking into account the difficulty in comparing the results due to the wide range of reaction conditions used [52][53][54]. Obtaining the permeance by dividing the permeability by the membrane thickness is formally correct only for a compact (homogeneous) layer.…”

Thermal Stability and Hydrogen Permeation of Ni<SUB>42</SUB>Zr<SUB>30</SUB>Nb<SUB>28&minus;<I>x</I></SUB>Ta<I><SUB>x</SUB></I> Amorphous Alloys

“…A large portion of the current research has been focusing on the hydrogen permeable membrane materials [Ref. 1,2) and references therein]. Owing to their excellent hydrogen selectivity and high thermal stability, metallic membranes such as Pd-Ag alloys have been used in industries for hydrogen purification for decades.…”

Developments in the Ni–Nb–Zr amorphous alloy membranes

“…Several notable reviews on these various membrane technologies have been published. In 2006, Phair and Donelson [16] reviewed developments in non-palladium alloy membranes related to design and preparation of alloys for hydrogen permeability, and critical performance features of Ti, Zr, Hf and V,Nb,Ta group of elements and alloys. Phair and Badwal [17] reviewed materials for separation of membranes for hydrogen and oxygen production, H2 and CO2 separation, and power generation.…”