Pd membrane with low metal content for hydrogen separation and a catalytic membrane reactor combined with a microwave heating system

Abstract

For use in a microwave heating system, a pore-filling type Pd membrane was prepared. This membrane was constructed by embedding Pd nanoparticles in micropores of an alumina support tube. Pd loading of 0.10 g/m 2 was sufficient for both microwave heating and stopping gas leak. The amount of Pd converted into an equivalent thickness gives a thin metal membrane of 0.07 m, suggesting a reduction in the amount of Pd in comparison with conventional thin membranes. The Pd membrane was easily heated to 700 K by microwave radiation. The temperature was precisely controlled by changing the microwave power, indicating effective control of the H 2 permeation rate. In addition, this Pd membrane can be used as a catalytic membrane. As the model reaction, hydrogenation of benzene and toluene were demonstrated under microwave radiation.