(727e) Performance of Pd-Ag Membranes Fabricated By a Novel Electroless Plating Method for Hydrogen Separation

Uses of fossil fuels in transportation and power generation release greenhouse gases. Hydrogen has the potential to be an alternative clean energy carrier. Hydrogen fueled proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) can be used in transportation and stationary power generation to reduce greenhouse gases emission. In this context, high purity of hydrogen is the fuel of choice for PEMFC. Membrane-based process is a key technology in production and separation of high purity hydrogen, whether it is from biomass gasification, coal gasification or steam reforming of hydrocarbons and/or alcohols. In this work, dense Pd-Ag composite membranes on microporous stainless steel substrate (MPSS) were fabricated by a novel surfactant induced electroless plating (SIEP) process. A cationic surfactant, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (DTAB) was used in Pd and Ag baths for the improved deposition of metals on MPSS substrates. Fabricated membranes are characterized and tested for thermal and mechanical stability, structural integrity and H₂-permselectivity. Morphological features of the membranes at pre- and post-annealing conditions are studied by using SEM, XRD, EDS, and AFM techniques. Permeability tests and long-term performance under thermal cycling are carried out with hydrogen at temperatures and transmembrane pressures in the range of 250 - 550 °C and 20 - 100 psig, respectively. The performance of the SIEP process developed Pd-Ag membrane will be compared with the membranes fabricated using conventional electroless plating method.