Preparation and hydrogen permeation properties of BaCe0.95Nd0.05O3−δ membranes

Dense mixed proton and electron conducting membrane made of BaCe0.95Nd0.05O3−δ (BCNd5) was prepared by pressing followed by sintering. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to characterize the phase structure of both the powder and the sintered membranes. The microstructure of the sintered membranes was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hydrogen permeation through the BCNd5 membrane was studied using a high temperature permeator. The hydrogen permeation fluxes under wet conditions are higher than those under dry conditions, which is due to H+ hopping via surface OH groups. At 925 °C, a hydrogen permeation flux of 0.02 mL/min cm2 was obtained under wet condition, which recommends BCNd5 as a potential material for hydrogen-selective membranes.