Separation of gases with solid electrolyte ionic conductors

The authors have developed a novel method of gas separation based on electrolyte ionic membrane technology. Separation of one gas from another occurs through an ion-conducting membrane by the passage of selected ions. Most systems studied have focused on oxygen ion conduction for the separation of oxygen from air, although protonic and halide-conducting solid materials also exist. As an example of this system, this paper concentrates on a study of a membrane reactor used in the production of syngas (CO + H{sub 2}) from methane. The membrane material is a modified perovskite-type oxide exhibiting mixed (electronic/ionic) conductivity. Mixed-conductivity oxides are promising materials for oxygen-permeating membranes that can operate without electrodes or external electrical circuitry. Extruded tubes of this material have been evaluated in a reactor operating at {approx} 850 C for partial oxidation of methane into syngas in the presence of a reforming catalyst. Separated oxygen on one side of the reactor wall was obtained from air on the other side. Methane conversion efficiencies of > 99% were observed, and some of the reactor tubes have been operated for > 1,000 h. Membrane tubes were fabricated from calcined powders by a plastic extrusion technique. Characterization of the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of this material confirmed the stability exhibited in the reactor.