Precursors-derived ceramic membranes for high-temperature separation of hydrogen

This review describes recent progress in the development of hydrogen-permselective ceramic membranes derived from organometallic precursors. Microstructure and gas transport property of microporous amorphous silica-based membranes are briefly described. Then, high-temperature hydrogen permselectivity, hydrothermal stability as well as hydrogen/steam selectivity of the amorphous silica-based membranes are discussed from a viewpoint of application to membrane reactors for conversion enhancement in the methane steam reforming reaction, which leading to development of a novel highly efficient hydrogen production system. Novel nickel (Ni) nanoparticles dispersed amorphous silica-based membranes with a unique hydrogen permselectivity, and polymer-derived amorphous Si-(B)-C-N membranes having enhanced thermal and chemical stability are also discussed to develop novel ceramic membranes for high-temperature separation of hydrogen.