DEVELOPMENT OF Pd-BASED DENSE METALLIC MEMBRANE WITH SULFUR RESISTANT MOF COATED FOR HYDROGEN SEPARATION

Hydrogen plays a key role in both the chemical and energy industries. However, it is essential for H₂ to be in high purity in order to be used. In countries with large coal reserves, H₂ is separated from the syngas (CO+H₂) obtained from coal gasification. The separation process includes units that adjust the required operational temperature and pressure with high energy needs and costs. The use of Pd-based dense metallic membranes allows the production of ultra-high purity H₂ without significant changes in temperature and pressure. However, sulfur compounds in coal-derived syngas limit the use of these membranes. Sulfur sticks to Pd atoms disrupt the membrane structure and prevent the dissociation of hydrogen on the membrane surface. Therefore, developing a thin Pd film, coated on low-cost support with an additional layer that will protect this film from sulfide compounds will make an important contribution to the literature and improve the applications of these membranes. In this study, a new membrane structure was developed by coating a thin layer of Pd film on low-cost α-Al₂O₃ tablets and growing a secondary UiO-66 layer on Pd. The experimental data proved the effect of the UiO-66 layer in preventing the Pd layer from sulfur compounds.