Hydrogen separation from dry gas mixtures using a membrane module consisting of palladium-coated amorphous-alloy

Amorphous alloy membranes are anticipated as substitutes for expensive palladium membranes. Hydrogen separation modules consisting of four amorphous Zr36Ni64 membranes have been developed to demonstrate their practical usefulness. First, surface investigation showed that 50-mm-wide membranes are smoother on the surface and are therefore expected to be better in terms of sealing than 20-mm-wide membranes. A four-membrane module was assembled without leakage for 0.92 MPa inside to the atmospheric outside. Using this module, pure hydrogen was obtained as effluent from the permeation side. The 82.7% recovery and 31.7 mL (STP)/min were attained in separation from CO and CO2 containing a gas mixture simulating methanol reformed gas. Therefore, the practical availability of amorphous alloy membranes was demonstrated.