Development of Pd-based double-skinned membranes for hydrogen production in fluidized bed membrane reactors

• Published in: Journal of membrane science 2018-03, Vol.550, p.536-544
• Main Authors: Arratibel, Alba, Pacheco Tanaka, Alfredo, Laso, Iker, van Sint Annaland, Martin, Gallucci, Fausto
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Double-skin; Fluidized beds; Hydrogen separation; Long term tests; Pd-based membranes
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2017.10.064

This paper reports the preparation and performance characterization of new PdAg supported membranes with a porous protecting layer to protect the membrane surface from particles in a fluidized bed membrane reactor. Supported membranes with a selective layer of 1µm and a protective layer have been prepared. Outstanding H2 permeance (5·10−6molm−2 s−1 Pa−1) and H2/N2 perm-selectivity (over 25,000) were measured at 400°C and 1bar of pressure difference. One membrane has been tested for more than 750h in the presence of fluidized glass beads showing a decay in the perm-selectivity to approximately 5000, mainly due to sealing leakage. However, the protective layer was removed during this long-term test. Another membrane has been tested for more than 2000h in a fluidized bed membrane reactor with a Rh reforming catalyst supported on promoted alumina in the bubbling fluidization regime. During tests with binary mixtures mass transfer limitations toward the membrane were observed due to large H2 permeance of the membranes. [Display omitted] •We have prepared and characterized PdAg supported membranes with a protective layer.•H2 permeance of 5·10−6 molm−2s−1Pa−1 and a selectivity over 25,000 have been measured.•A membrane was tested for 2000h in a fluidized bed membrane reactor.