Hydrogen permeability of multiphase V–Ti–Ni metallic membranes

Development of advanced hydrogen separation membranes in support of hydrogen production processes such as coal gasification and as front end gas purifiers for fuel cell based system is paramount to the successful implementation of a national hydrogen economy. Current generation metallic hydrogen separation membranes are based on Pd-alloys. Although the technology has proven to be successful, at issue is the high cost of palladium. Evaluation of non-noble metal based dense metallic separation membranes is currently receiving national and international attention. The focal point of the reported work was to evaluate a Group 5A-Ta, Nb, V-based alloy with respect to microstructural features and hydrogen permeability. Electrochemical hydrogen permeation testing of the V–Ti–Ni alloy is reported herein and compared to pure Pd measurements recorded as part of this same study. The V–Ti–Ni was demonstrated to have a steady-state hydrogen permeation rate an order of magnitude higher than the pure Pd material in testing conducted at 22 °C.