Stable Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ oxygen transport membrane reactor for hydrogen production

Abstract

Hydrogen production using oxygen transport membrane reactors has attracted widespread attention. However, the structural stability of membrane materials under harsh reducing atmospheres is still a significant challenge. Gadolinium doped cerium oxide (CGO) presents high ionic conductivity and good reducing resistance but is limited by its poor electronic conductivity. Herein, a 2 mol.% cobalt-doped Ce0.8Gd0.2O2-δ (CoCGO) ultrathin membrane was manufactured by thin-film technology and applied to hydrogen production from water splitting (WS) with simultaneous syngas production through partial oxidation of methane (POM). Two catalysts, La0.4Sr0.6CoO3-δ (LSC) and Ni/Al2O3, were utilized for promoting WS and POM, respectively. Hydrogen production rate above 1.8 mL min-1 cm-2 and methane conversion of around 80 % were achieved, and no noticeable degradation was detected during 100 h operation, suggesting its prospective stability advantages as a membrane reactor for hydrogen production from water.