Triple-layer catalytic hollow fiber membrane reactor for hydrogen production

Abstract

Triple-layer hollow fiber catalytic membrane reactor (T-HFCMR) consisting of: (1) Ni-based catalyst (outer) layer; (2) porous inorganic support (middle) layer; and (3) ultrathin Pd-based membrane (inner) layer, has been successfully developed and used as a catalytic membrane reactor for hydrogen production. A 0.16molm−2s−1 of H2 gas can be produced from the T-HFCMR via catalytic decomposition of methane (as a model reaction) at 600°C and 2bar. Due to high H2 permeability of the ultrathin (ca. 1.2µm) Pd-based membrane, up to 84% of the total H2 produced (H2 recovery) can be extracted from the reaction side. Moreover, a constant permeation of H2 from the reaction side also remarkably increases the reaction conversion. Furthermore, mechanical damages (e.g. scratching) of Pd–Ag membrane can also be prevented as the membrane is not exposed directly to the external surface, making it more flexible for practical applications.