Engineered Functional Metal Silica Membranes for Hydrogen Processing (2011-2013)
Abstract
This project aims to synthesise a new class of robust functional inorganic membranes for hydrogen processing. The key concept of the research is the incorporation of metals into silica membranes, forming novel microstructures for gas separation at high temperatures (250-600C). These materials separate hydrogen from industrial gas mixtures at higher flow rates and hydrogen purity compared to conventional inorganic membranes. The metal silica membranes will be studied to elucidate the relationships between structure, composition, functionality, robustness and transport phenomena. The outcomes should advance hydrogen separation technologies for the petrochemical, chemical, fuel cells and coal gasification industries.
