Microporous inorganic membranes for high temperature hydrogen purification

Abstract

The general mechanisms of gas separation in microporous inorganic membranes are reviewed in this article. Emphasis has been placed on discussing the requirements of membrane pore structure and material properties for high temperature hydrogen separation from other small gases involved in processes of hydrogen production from fossil fuels. The recent research progresses in developing the crystalline zeolite membranes, and amorphous silica-based membranes for high temperature hydrogen separation are critically reviewed. The fundamental issues associated with the zeolite and silica membranes relevant to the practical applications are analyzed based on the relationships between the separation performance and membrane structural and chemical properties.