Recent Advances in Membrane-Based Electrochemical Hydrogen Separation: A Review

Abstract

In this paper an overview of commercial hydrogen separation technologies is given. These technologies are discussed and compared—with a detailed discussion on membrane-based technologies. An emerging and promising novel hydrogen separation technology, namely, electrochemical hydrogen separation (EHS) is reviewed in detail. EHS has many advantages over conventional separation systems (e.g., it is not energy intensive, it is environmentally-friendly with near-zero pollutants, it is known for its silent operation, and, the greatest advantage, simultaneous compression and purification can be achieved in a one-step operation). Therefore, the focus of this review is to survey open literature and research conducted to date on EHS. Current technological advances in the field of EHS that have been made are highlighted. In the conclusion, literature gaps and aspects of electrochemical hydrogen separation, that require further research, are also highlighted. Currently, the cost factor, lack of adequate understanding of the degradation mechanisms related to this technology, and the fact that certain aspects of this technology are as yet unexplored (e.g., simultaneous hydrogen separation and compression) all hinder its widespread application. In future research, some attention could be given to the aforementioned factors and emerging technologies, such as ceramic proton conductors and solid acids.

Hydrogen Separation and Purification from Various Gas Mixtures by Means of Electrochemical Membrane Technology in the Temperature Range 100–160 °C

“…A comparison of the properties of typical HT and LT PEMs can be found in Reference [32]. In terms of EHS, limited information is currently available on HT PEMs separation compared to LT separation (Nafion membranes) [42].…”

Hydrogen Blending into Natural Gas Pipeline Infrastructure: Review of the State of Technology

“…In either scenario, hydrogen would need to be separated from natural gas at or near the point of enduse. The primary types of hydrogen separation technologies include pressure swing adsorption (PSA), cryogenic distillation, membranes, and electrochemical hydrogen separation (Melaina, Antonia, and Penev 2013;National Grid 2020;Hu et al 2020;Vermaak, Neomagus, and Bessarabov 2021). Each of these technologies has advantages, disadvantages, and scenarios in which they perform best.…”

Analytical Modeling of Flowrate and Its Maxima in Electrochemical Bioelectronics with Drug Delivery Capabilities

“…In response to the accumulated gas pressure, the flexible membrane deforms into the form of a spherical cap and gradually pumps the drug, sitting on the top side of the flexible membrane, through a network of microfluidic channels which outlet is the target organ/tissue. By using electrochemistry, the drug can be pumped from inside the devices in a controlled fashion without generating excessive heat [ 11 , 21 , 22 ] or requiring external moving parts that can increase the complexity of injectable devices operating partially inside the tissue/organs of animals.…”