COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR PRODUCING SELF SUPPORTED PALLADIUM ALLOY MEMBRANES FOR USE IN EFFICIENT PRODUCTION OF COAL DERIVED HYDROGEN
Over the last quarter, we continued to optimize procedures for producing free-standing, defect free films using rigid silicon and glass substrates. A strong correlation was observed between sputter power and formation of defects (pinholes) in the film; i.e., lower power, and correspondingly lower deposition rate, results in a lower defect density. Films less than 1 {micro}m-thick have been successfully released from both silicon and glass substrates although the minimum thickness for pinhole-free films over a 4-inch diameter disc is still on the order of 3-4 {micro}m. Results from hydrogen permeation testing over the last quarter have shown a marked increase in membrane performance primarily due to proper alloy composition and pre-treatment procedures. As an example, the hydrogen flux at 400 C and 20 psi trans-membrane pressure, for a 5 {micro}m-thick membrane, was 120 cm{sup 3} (STP)/cm{sup 2} min. The productivity of this membrane exceeds the 2015 DOE Fossil Energy targets. Hydrogen permeability was calculated to be 2.0 {center_dot} 10{sup -4} cm{sup 3}(STP) {center_dot} cm/cm{sup 2} {center_dot} s {center_dot} cm Hg{sup 0.5}. Permeation tests were then repeated on a sibling membrane sample and the measured hydrogen flow rate at 400 C and 20 psi was 58 cm{sup 3} (STP)/min. Although lower than the flow rate of the first sample, the hydrogen flow rate increased to 175 cm{sup 3} (STP)/min after two oxidation treatments. Finally, with the attendance of John Shen and the rest of the program team members at the IdaTech facility in Bend, OR, we presented an overview of program activities. Subsequently, we prepared detailed written responses to John Shen's questions with regard to technical feasibility, maturity, scale-up and commercialization potential in comparison to competing hydrogen separation methods such as pressure swing absorption and ionic conducting membranes.
- Research Organization:
- Southwest Research Institute (US)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- (US)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC26-03NT41849
- OSTI ID:
- 840474
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1 Apr 2005
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR PRODUCING SELF SUPPORTED PALLADIUM ALLOY MEMBRANES FOR USE IN EFFICIENT PRODUCTION OF COAL DERIVED HYDROGEN
COST-EFFECTIVE METHOD FOR PRODUCING SELF SUPPORTED PALLADIUM ALLOY MEMBRANES FOR USE IN EFFICIENT PRODUCTION OF COAL DERIVED HYDROGEN