(42ae) Intermediate Temperature Ceramic Proton Conductor for Hydrogen Separation

Current hydrogen membranes make use of precious metals that are expensive and can be adversely affected by the presence of contaminants.  Substantial work has been done on proton conducting high temperature ceramics for use in hydrogen membrane separation systems but physical and electronic degradation have made the use of these membranes questionable. 

Ceramatec initiated work on a new ceramic material set under funding provided by the US Department of Energy.  After encouraging results under the DOE funded program, Ceramatec was able to obtain funding from a private firm and continue research on an intermediate temperature proton conductor for hydrogen separation.  This paper will discuss the technology basis established in literature, the approach initiated by Ceramatec, and results obtained in the laboratory experiments to date.  The discussion will also include an overview of on-going efforts and planned experiments.