Palladium‐based diffusion membranes as catalysts in ethylene hydrogenation

Abstract

Abstract Pd‐23 at% Ag and Pd‐7.8 at% Y hydrogen‐diffusion membranes were (1) prepared by argon‐arc melting of the constituent elements, (2) characterised, (3) examined for hydrogen permeation and (4) used as catalysts in ethylene hydrogenation reactions. Ethylene was self‐hydrogenated on the membrane surfaces in the absence of permeate hydrogen. The hydrogenation with and/or without the permeate hydrogen was carried out in the temperature range 100–450°C at ethylene pressures of 1.0–1.5 bars and differential pressures across the membrane in the range 1.0–6.8 bars. Mainly C1‐C4 hydrocarbons and up to 60% conversion of ethylene to products were obtained.