High oxygen permeation flux of cobalt-free Cu-based ceramic dual-phase membranes

Here we report a new group of cobalt-free Cu-based dual-phase oxygen permeation membranes made up of Ce0.85Pr0.1Cu0.05O2-delta and PrxSr1-xFe1-yCuyO3-delta (x = 0.4, 0.6, y = 0.05, 0.1, 0.2). The structure, oxygen permeability and stability investigations are presented. Systematic studies reveal that the synergism of these two copper-based mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) oxides can reduce the sintering temperature and give rise to attractive oxygen permeability. We find the optimal 60 wt%Ce0.85Pr0.1Cu0.05O2-delta-40 wt% Pr0.4Sr0.6Fe0.95Cu0.05O3-delta composite displays the largest oxygen permeation flux with 1.60 mL min(-1).cm(-2) at 1000 degrees C under air/He gradient and retain a steady oxygen permeation flux for over 105 h. Moreover, the 60 wt% Ce0.85Pr0.1Cu0.05O2-delta-40 wt%Pr0.4Sr0.6Fe0.95Cu0.05O3-delta membrane yields an oxygen permeation flux of 0.98 mL min(-1).cm(-2) at 1000 degrees C under air/CO2 gradient and hold the close value over 65 h. Our findings are expected to promote further studies on new oxygen permeable composites and boost the possible applications in CO2 capture.

Automated summary

A new group of cobalt-free Cu-based dual-phase oxygen permeation membranes consisting of Ce0.85Pr0.1Cu0.05O2-delta and PrxSr1-xFe1-yCuyO3-delta (x=0.4, 0.6, y=0.05, 0.1, 0.2) was reported in this study. The synergetic effect of these two copper-based mixed ionic-electronic conducting oxides was found to reduce sintering temperature and improve oxygen permeability. The optimal composite membrane displayed promising oxygen permeation flux under different gas gradients and exhibited good stability over extended periods of time, showing potential for applications in CO2 capture.