Proceedings of the Eighteenth Annual Conference on Fossil Energy Materials

This paper presents information and data relative to recent advances in the development at Oak Ridge National Laboratory of microporous inorganic membranes for high-temperature hydrogen separation. These membranes incorporate a metal tubular support with a thin ceramic layer applied to the inside of the support tube. Research emphasis during the last year has been directed toward the development of these high-permeance (high-flux) and high-separation-factor sub 2nm pore-size metal-supported membranes. In addition, improvements were made to our test systems to both increase their operating temperatures and qualify them to work with flammable gases such as hydrogen and propane. Lastly, we have submitted a prototype to DOE for a classification and nonproliferation review (NPR) and received approval for the testing and evaluation of the physical properties and performance characteristics at national labs, universities, and industrial facilities. Performance data for recent membranes are presented and new insights into diffusion mechanisms are included in the discussion.