Performance of U-shaped BaCo0.7Fe0.2Ta0.1O3−δ hollow-fiber membranes reactor with high oxygen permeation for methane conversion

• The U-shaped BCFT hollow-fiber membrane reactor was constructed for POM successfully.
• A high oxygen permeation of 20 ml/min cm2 was achieved at 875 °C.
• Metal ion reduction and segregation of elements take place on the membrane surfaces after POM.

The U-shaped hollow-fiber membranes based on the perovskite-type oxide BaCo0.7Fe0.2Ta0.1O3−δ (BCFT) were prepared by phase inversion spinning process and were used to construct membrane reactor for partial oxidation of methane (POM) to syngas (CO + H2) successfully. The effects of the temperature, CH4 concentration and the CH4 flow rate on the performance of the BCFT hollow-fiber membrane reactor were investigated in detail. At 875 °C, an oxygen permeation flux of 20 ml/min cm2 with 96% methane conversion and 99% CO selectivity were obtained. SEM, XRD, XPS and EDS of the fresh and spent hollow-fiber membranes show that carbonate was formed and the metal ion reduction, as well as the elements segregation took place in the membrane, which led to the fracture of the membrane reactor after 83 h operation.