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    Novel Hydrogen Fuel Purification Membrane Paves the Way for Greener Future

    Hydrogen is a clean source of fuel, but its purification has been challenging until now. A recent paper published in the journal Separation and Purification Technology seeks to address this challenge.

    In this study, a group of researchers from Nagoya Institute of Technology, Japan, led by Professor Yuji Iwamoto, in collaboration with researchers in France, successfully characterized a novel membrane that allows highly selective separation of hydrogen gas generated from the PEC reaction.

    Prof. Iwamoto says, “Membrane separation is attractive as a low-cost hydrogen gas purification technology. However, current techniques face several challenges, for example, water-induced swelling with polymer membranes and lower hydrogen permeance with metal, polymer, and supported liquid membranes.”

    The researchers first developed an organic-inorganic hybrid polymeric membrane, primarily consisting of a polymer called “polycarbosilane” (PCS) formed on an aluminium oxide (Al2O3)-based porous support.

    Prof. Iwamoto further explains, “By using high-molecular-weight PCSs with a melting point above 200°C, we showed that a superhydrophobic PCS membrane could be deposited on a mesoporousγ-Al2O3-modified macroporousα-Al2O3 tubular support.”

    After successfully developing the PCS membrane, the researchers tested it under PEC reaction conditions. As hypothesized, the PCS membrane showed high hydrophobicity. Moreover, under the flow of a simulated highly humid gas mixture at 50°C, the PCS membrane exhibited excellent hydrogen selectivity.

    Further analysis revealed that the preferential hydrogen permeation through the PCS membrane was governed by the “solid state diffusion” mechanism. Overall, irrespective of the ambient environmental conditions provided, the PCS membrane exhibited efficient hydrogen gas separation.

    With the development and characterization of this new PCS membrane, it is inevitable that its commercial adoption will not just facilitate the use of hydrogen fuel for energy needs but also curb the use of non-renewable fossil fuels.

    Prof. Iwamoto concludes, “With this technological development, we expect great progress in environmental-friendly and sustainable hydrogen production.”