The use of dense mixed ionic and electronic conducting membranes for chemical production

The exploitation of membranes within the chemical industry is an area of growing interest. Inorganic membranes promise high stabilities even under high temperature conditions (>200 degreesC). In addition, very high selectivities can be attained when dense ion-conducting membranes are employed. Here the characterisation of such dense inorganic membranes, through permeation studies, and the application of these membranes in chemical production are reviewed. Additional background information on membrane fabrication and techniques for characterisation is also provided.