Hydrophobic platinum–polytetrafluoroethylene catalyst for hydrogen isotope separation

A composite catalyst, platinum supported on polytetrafluoroethylene (Pt/PTFE), has been successfully prepared by compression moulding forming and used for hydrogen isotope separation by hydrogen–water isotope exchange. The as-prepared Pt/PTFE was characterized by nitrogen adsorption. The results of the catalytic activity for hydrogen–water isotope exchange show that Pt/PTFE has high catalytic activity. The effects of different factors, such as flow rate, temperature, molar flow ratio of hydrogen gas to feed water and time have also been investigated. The present study shows a promising choice of Pt/PTFE as a composite catalyst for hydrogen isotope separation.