Oxygen Separation with Dual Phase Nano-Composite Membranes

Statement of the problem or situation that is being addressed
This proposal is in response to the DOE topic 14a on membrane technology. Membrane technology for oxygen separation offers a cost effective technology to dramatically reduce energy cost, reduce capital cost and reduce operating cost. Present O2 separation processes are at a point where capital and operating cost are almost prohibitive. Nano-composite thin film ceramic membrane technology offers exceptional selectivity and a cost effective way to separate gasses into singular compounds. The possibility of scaling this technology is very promising. With this research there is the potential to prove that this technology can provide an order-of magnitude improvement over current processes.
The Specific Problem this Phase I Addresses:
With the current data in hand and with additional data from this potential Phase I and II, there is potential to prove that nano-composite thin film ceramic membrane technology can achieve an order-of-magnitude improvement over present technology for O2 separation. The objective of the proposed work is to realize tubular dense supported nano-composite membranes for high performance O2 separation capable of operating at temperatures >500C and integrate them into modules and perform testing at representative conditions.
General statement of how this problem is being addressed
In this proposed work we will focus on the use of new, high-performance O2 separation membranes for use in typical oxygen containing gas streams. The proposed work will be a continuation of a key innovation developed at Ohio State University (OSU). They have demonstrated defect-free Pt+CGO membranes on flat -Al2O3 supports. These membranes had an effective O2 permeance of 6.210-9 mol/(m2sPa) at 300C, and were non-permeable for He and N2. This performance was obtained at 300oC. This represents a tremendous break through compared to other ceramic membranes that have to operate in the 800oC range. Our objective is to obtain this success on tubular supports.
Commercial applications and other benefits
Ceramic membranes for oxygen can be applied to flue discharge from electric power plants, medical applications, and many other industrial applications.
Key Words
Membranes, O2, gases, ceramics, separation
Summary for members of congress
We are developing low cost ceramic membranes for separating oxygen from varous gas streams for a variety of medical, enviromental and industrial applications