LAUSR

In this study, we propose using mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) oxygen permeable membrane to separate hydrogen via the water splitting reaction. To do that, steam was fed to one side of the membrane (side I) and a low-purity hydrogen was fed to the other side (side II). Oxygen from water splitting on side I permeates through the membrane driven by an oxygen chemical potential gradient across the membrane to react with the low-purity hydrogen on side II. After condensation and drying, high-purity hydrogen is acquired from side I. Thus, the hydrogen separation process is realized based on the fact that the low-purity hydrogen is consumed and high-purity hydrogen is acquired. We achieved a high hydrogen separation rate (13.5 mL cm−2 min−1) at 950°C in a reactor equipped with a 0.5-mm-thick Ba0.98Ce0.05Fe0.95O3-δ membrane. This research proofed that it is feasible to upgrade hydrogen purity using an MIEC oxygen permeable membrane. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1278–1286, 2017