Decline in hydrogen permeation due to concentration polarization and CO hindrance in a palladium membrane reactor

Hydrogen separation from binary gas mixtures, Ar−H2 and CO−H2, using a double-tube type of palladium membrane reactor (PMR) was carried out and analyzed by solving mathematical models taking into account mixing diffusion of hydrogen in the radial direction of the catalyst-packed bed. The experiment showed that carbon monoxide prevented hydrogen permeation through the membrane at temperatures less than 280 °C. The decline in hydrogen permeation could be estimated by solving a model describing the concentration polarization and the hindrance by cabon monoxide. Furthermore, the mathematical models were applied to analyze methanol decomposition in the same PMR, showing that a drop in hydrogen permeation due to both the factors had a significant influence on the performance of the PMR.