Suitability of Amorphous Thin–Film Alloys for Hydrogen Purification

Hydrogen separation membranes combined with Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) or Coal Gasification (CG) could provide a high volume of ultra-high purity hydrogen provided that the cost of separation membranes is reduced in line with US DoE targets [1]. Dense metallic membranes used for hydrogen purification are dominantly based on Pd and Pd alloys [2,3]. However, the application of Pd and Pd alloy membranes for large-scale hydrogen purification is too expensive [1]. In addition to the high cost of Pd, the susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement [4] and surface poisoning by impurity gases such as CO2, CO and H2S [5], encourage searching for alternative hydrogen separation materials.