Inorganic Membranes: Microstructural Design, Optimization and Reaction Studies

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The successful industrial application of inorganic membranes for separation and reaction depends critically on the ability to produce membranes of desired microstructural, permeation, mechanical, and thermal properties. In this project emphasis will be placed on the preparation of inorganic membranes with controlled microstructure and on the relationship between membrane microstructure and properties. The focus will be on Pd-based composite membranes for hydrogen separations and on porous stainless steel membranes for reactor applications. Precise microstructural control of electroless plated films by the use of osmotic pressure has been demonstrated in initial experiments. Detailed studies related to the influence of osmosis on membrane microstructure and properties will be conducted. Characterization of the microstructural parameters that optimize permeation performance of the synthesized Pd-based membranes will be performed. For porous membranes, issues concerning optimal nonuniform membrane permeation patterns will be investigated for parallel and consecutive catalytic reaction networks. The objective is to examine, both by experiments and models, the performance of mesoporous stainless steel membranes under reaction conditions. The possibility of tailoring the membrane structure and permeation characteristics will be investigated to optimize reactor performance. This project will contribute to an understanding of the fundamental relationship between synthesis and structure and the effects of structure on membrane properties.