Modeling of Hydrogen Permeation through Pd Membrane on Ceramic Supports Activated via Pd Nanoparticles-TiO2-Bohemite Suspension

Thin dense Pd composite membrane was prepared via electroless plating method. Pd nanoparticles embedded polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used in titanium dioxide-bohemite suspension during the activation step of electroless plating (ELP) method. This work indicates a model for hydrogen transport in the synthesized Pd composite membrane and compares with the experimental data at 0-100% Ar-H-2 binary gas and different pressure about 3 to 5 bar. This model a combined of established equations including the external mass transfer in the multicomponent gaseous phases on feed sides (the Stefan-Maxwell equations) and the H-2 transport in the Pd composite membrane (the Ward and Dao model in Pd layer and dusty gas model in the multilayered porous support). The contributions to the overall mass transfer resistance based on a combined experimental and modeling approach were identified. In this work, the highest resistance to mass transfer for the investigated conditions was diffusional resistance in the porous support. Our model calculations also indicated that by reducing the thickness of the Pd layer from 7 to 1 mu m, the hydrogen gas flux is enhanced more than 30%. By reducing the thickness and tortuosity of the alumina support layer or by increasing its porosity, the H-2 flux is also improved.

Automated summary

A thin dense Pd composite membrane was prepared using electroless plating method, with a model for hydrogen transport and resistance analysis established. The diffusion resistance in the porous support was identified as the main contributor to mass transfer resistance. Adjusting the thickness of the Pd layer and the structure of the alumina support layer can enhance hydrogen gas flux.