A mixed electronic and protonic conducting hydrogen separation membrane with asymmetric structure

In this work, highly doped ceria with lanthanum, La0.5Ce0.5O2−δ (LDC), are developed as hydrogen separation membrane material. LDC presents a mixed electronic and protonic conductivity in reducing atmosphere and good stability in moist CO2 environment. LDC separation membranes with asymmetrical structure are fabricated by a cost-saving co-pressing method, using NiO + LDC + corn starch mixture as substrate and LDC as top membrane layer. Hydrogen permeation properties are systemically studied, including the influence of operating temperature, hydrogen partial pressure in feed stream and water vapor in both sides of the membrane on hydrogen permeating fluxes. Hydrogen permeability increases as the increasing of temperature and hydrogen partial pressure in feed gas. Using 20% H2/N2 (with 3% of H2O) as feed gas and dry high purity argon as sweep gas, an acceptable flux of 2.6 × 10−8 mol cm−2 s−1 is achieved at 900 °C. The existing of water in both sides of membrane has significant effect on hydrogen permeation and the corresponding reasons are analyzed and discussed.

► La0.5Ce0.5O2−δ is developed as hydrogen separation membrane material.
► A 30 μm-thick asymmetrical membrane was fabricated.
► Hydrogen permeation flux achieved to 2.6 × 10−8 mol cm−2 s−1.
► The influence of H2O on hydrogen permeation was characterized and discussed.