Developments and Design of Novel (Non-Palladium-Based) Metal Membranes for Hydrogen Separation

Hydrogen separation membrane devices are attracting increasing interest for the industrial production of hydrogen. Metal membranes, in particular, are promising due to their resilience to the demands of a typical hydrogen purification process. However, the use of too much Pd within the membranes limits their wide-scale industrial use due to excessive costs. The present article reviews the design, preparation, operation, and critical performance features of novel non-Pd-based alloys. The theory behind the permeation of hydrogen through metal membranes is presented as well as the materials and methods central to their design and improvement. Crystalline, amorphous, and thin layer metal membranes are contrasted, while the advanced experimental techniques and mechanical tests for their characterization are discussed. The review considers the design of novel metal membranes from first principles and assesses catalytic and protective surface layers which may enhance their hydrogen separation capabilities.