Evaluation of hydrogen permeation properties of Ni–Ba(Zr0.7Pr0.1Y0.2)O3−δ cermet membranes

•Hydrogen permeation properties of Ni-BZPY membranes were investigated systematically.•Bulk diffusion step controlled hydrogen permeation process.•The membrane showed good stability against water vapor and carbon dioxide.

In order to obtain chemically stable hydrogen-permeable cermet membranes against CO2 and H2O, the composite membranes consisting of Ni and Ba(Zr0.7Pr0.1Y0.2)O3−δ (BZPY) are fabricated by the dry-press technique and reducing atmosphere sintering process. SEM results show that the cermet membrane is extremely dense and metal nickel is randomly distributed in BZPY oxide matrix. Hydrogen permeation properties of the Ni-BZPY membranes are systemically studied including the influence of the operating temperature, H2 concentration in feed stream, humidification degree and membrane thickness. The Ni-BZPY membrane presents good chemical stability in humid condition or CO2-containing environments and is potential candidates for hydrogen separation.