Strong Interaction at the Palladium/Alumina Interface of Membrane during Hydrogen Permeation at Elevated Temperature

Hydrogen flux through palladium membrane supported on alpha-alumina significantly decreased during permeation testing at elevated temperatures (650-850 degrees C). Strong interaction between palladium and alpha-alumina, i.e., formation of less hydrogen permeable palladium-aluminum alloy was Suggested via reduction of alumina under hydrogen atmosphere at high temperature. Migration of aluminum to the membrane top surface might obstruct the dissociative adsorption of hydrogen molecules.