Research

In a middle term scenario small scale generation of hydrogen from hydrocarbons will became increasingly important in connection with application of fuel-cells in the automotive sector.

Reforming of fuels to hydrogen consist of hydrocarbons conversion via e.g. catalytic partial oxidation (CPO). In a second step CO reacts with steam yielding CO₂ and H₂ (water-gas-shift):

The aim of the membrane is to remove hydrogen from the gas mixture improving at the some time the yield of the equilibrium reaction.

The state of the art for selective hydrogen separation is an asymmetric three-layers α‑alumina / γ-alumina / amorphous silica composite membrane.

With this architecture H₂ flux of 6·10^-7 [mol·m^-2·s^-1·Pa^-1] and H2/CO selectivity above 1000.

Targets of the project are:

ü	Improve hydrothermal stability of microporous and mesoporous layers

ü	Increase the membrane hydrogen permeance.

ü	Test tubular membranes as reactors using new catalysts produced by the Catalytic Materials and Processes Group. (see http://cpm.tnw.utwente.nl/people/Azzam/ )

Grafted, templated and doped silica are the main subject of the research.

The project is sponsored by Shell global solutions, Engelhard and Membraflow, as well as by the NWO.

For more detailed information or collaborations please contact me by e-mail V.Boffa@tnw.utwente.nl. .