A New Concept for the Fabrication of Hydrogen Selective Silica Membranes
Project # 42119

Primary Performing Organization:
University of Minnesota

	Coating of one layer of MCM-22 on y-alumina coated a-alumina support.

In this project, researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science will investigate a new method for making extremely thin, high-temperature, hydrogen-selective silica membranes with high hydrogen (H₂) selectivity, flux, and stability in a water gas shift reactor environment.  The proposed membrane will rely on the use of layered microporous silicates that have very limited pore openings perpendicular to the layers.  The largest pore openings that are perpendicular to the layers are ideal for hydrogen (H₂) molecular sieving membranes.  The new membrane fabrication method consists of synthesis of layered silicates, preparation of thin plate-like particles from these layered silicates, and deposition of the particles using layer-by-layer assembly followed by calcination. See Fig. 1. If successfully developed, the membranes could be used for economical production of H₂ from coal-supplied synthesis gas, while simultaneously producing a concentrated carbon dioxide (CO₂) stream for capture and storage.

The project will include investigation and development of membrane synthesis techniques, membrane synthesis, and evaluation of membrane separation performance and stability.  Specifically, membranes will be tested for H₂ separation from CO₂ at high temperatures and pressure, and for thermal stability at high temperature and pressure in the presence of water vapor.

Contact:
Project manager: David Lang, david.lang@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• H₂ Silica Membranes Fact Sheet [PDF]