Process intensification in hydrogen production from coal and biomass via the use of membrane-based reactive separations

We summarize here our recent efforts in hydrogen production from coal and biomass using membrane-based reactive separations. We utilize two different types of membranes, namely supported carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes, which are made via the pyrolysis of polymeric precursors and Pd and Pd-alloy membranes prepared via electroless plating techniques. We discuss the development of the ‘one-box’ process to economically produce pure hydrogen from coal-derived and biomass-derived syngas in the presence of its common impurities through the use of the water gas shift reaction via the use of CMS membranes and an impurity-tolerant commercial Co/Mo/Al2O3 catalyst. We conclude by discussing the use of Pd membranes during production of ultra-pure hydrogen from coal and biomass.

► Carbon molecular sieve membranes show excellent performance in reactive separations for the production of hydrogen for coal-and biomass-derived syngas. ► Commercial-scale size Pd membranes have been tested for the production of hydrogen from syngas. They exhibit excellent performance and stability. ► Hybrid process schemes have been proposed combining the use of CMS and Pd membranes.