Novel intensified catalytic nano-structured nickel–zirconia supported palladium based membrane for high temperature hydrogen production from biomass generated syngas

• Improving chemical tolerance of metal membranes for hydrogen separation against CO.
• Novel nano-structured catalytic sandwich-like membrane type was prepared.
• ELP at the membrane& support surfaces provided high surface area for H2 dissociation.
• Mechano-thermal and chemical stabilization was provided by using protecting layer.
• The sandwich-like membrane produced hydrogen flux more than a commercial membrane.

This Paper is directed on the improvement of the hydrogen permeability of palladium based membranes and their mechanical, chemical and thermal properties by using sandwich type composition based on Nano-Structured supports which at the end of this work demonstrated positive results. It is a new line of research to improve the performance of palladium membranes for hydrogen production and purification. In this study, a novel supported hydrogen selective membrane module was developed which is mechanically, thermally and chemically stable in order to separate hydrogen from syngas. The performance of the sandwiched membrane was evaluated and compared with commercial membrane of the same composition and thickness using hydrogen–nitrogen mixtures followed by the utilization of a syngas. It was shown that the sandwiched membrane had better hydrogen fluxes, good mechanical properties and high chemical stability during 15 days of testing with no failures detected. It also showed a good thermal stability where stable hydrogen concentrations obtained at different temperatures.