Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cell for Efficient Separation of Hydrogen

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Background:

• Establishing a hydrogen economy necessitates efficient hydrogen purification from various gas streams.
• Current methods face challenges in selectively separating hydrogen, particularly at low concentrations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel protonic ceramic electrochemical cell for sustainable hydrogen purification.
• To demonstrate efficient separation of pure hydrogen from diluted streams at reduced temperatures.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a protonic ceramic electrochemical cell utilizing nanoporous nickel catalysts.
• In situ slow reduction of nickel oxides to create well-bonded electrochemical interfaces.
• Electrochemical separation of hydrogen under controlled voltage and temperature (350-500 °C).

Main Results:

• Achieved high Faraday's efficiency (>96%) for hydrogen separation.
• Demonstrated a hydrogen separation rate of 3.3 mL cm⁻² min⁻¹ from 10% H₂-90% N₂ at 0.51 V and 500 °C.
• Showcased a separation rate of 2.4 mL cm⁻² min⁻¹ from 10% H₂-90% CH₄, relevant for renewable hydrogen blending.

Conclusions:

• The developed cell enables sustainable and efficient onsite purification of hydrogen from diluted streams.
• The technology is feasible for purifying hydrogen for applications such as fuel cell electric vehicles.
• Nanoporous nickel catalysts and controlled interfaces are key to high performance at reduced temperatures.