Recent Progress in Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Hydrogen Separation

Abstract

Membrane separation is a compelling technology for hydrogen separation. Among the different types of membranes used to date, the mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are one of the most widely used approaches for enhancing separation performances and surpassing the Robeson upper bound limits for polymeric membranes. In this review, we focus on the recent progress in MMMs for hydrogen separation. The discussion first starts with a background introduction of the current hydrogen generation technologies, followed by a comparison between the membrane technology and other hydrogen purification technologies. Thereafter, state-of-the-art MMMs, comprising emerging filler materials that include zeolites, metal-organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and graphene-based materials, are highlighted. The binary filler strategy, which uses two filler materials to create synergistic enhancements in MMMs, is also described. A critical evaluation on the performances of the MMMs is then considered in context, before we conclude with our perspectives on how MMMs for hydrogen separation can advance moving forward.

Gas Permeability, Fractional Free Volume and Molecular Kinetic Diameters: The Effect of Thermal Rearrangement on ortho-hydroxy Polyamide Membranes Loaded with a Porous Polymer Network

“…In Figure 8, the 1991 and 2008 trade-off lines are shown [32,33]. The additional line to the right represents the most well-received upper bound according to the corresponding literature to date [42][43][44][45]. For the sake of readability, we show separately in Figure 9 some results taken from the literature within the H 2 /CH 4 Robeson plot, including the representative points used by Robeson to establish them [32,33].…”

“…Dark blue dots correspond to the cases used by Robeson to establish trade off lines [32,33]. Other colored symbols are described in the figure and correspond to TRs and PIMs [47] and to MMMs taken from Chuah et al [42]. Stars correspond to some commercial membranes within the area shown: PSF polysulfone, PI polyimide and PPO poly(phenylene oxide).…”

Hydrogen Recovery by Mixed Matrix Membranes Made from 6FCl-APAF HPA with Different Contents of a Porous Polymer Network and Their Thermal Rearrangement

“…In fact, currently polymeric membranes have a central presence in the membrane market for hydrogen separation, because they admit economical large-scale processing [23]. Among the many diverse types of polymeric membranes, as an evolution of blended and crosslinked polymers [24], MMMs are one of the most well-researched and promising approaches [25][26][27]. Chuah et al [27] summarized the recent advances on MMMs with different emerging fillers that are potentially interesting for hydrogen separation.…”

“…Among the many diverse types of polymeric membranes, as an evolution of blended and crosslinked polymers [24], MMMs are one of the most well-researched and promising approaches [25][26][27]. Chuah et al [27] summarized the recent advances on MMMs with different emerging fillers that are potentially interesting for hydrogen separation. Mostly, researched fillers for MMMs include zeolites, graphene, or nanotubes; metal-organic frameworks (MOFs); and porous polymer networks (PPN) or covalentorganic frameworks (COFs).…”

Gas-Transport Characteristics of PdCu–Nb–PdCu Membranes Modified with Nanostructured Palladium Coating

“…This increases the demand for the use and, hence, the production, of high-purity hydrogen. Today, the most demanded and promising technology for producing high-purity hydrogen is steam reforming with membrane separation, since it requires a minimum number of interactions during operation and low amounts of energy [ 5 ]. Therefore, the actual scientific task is the theoretical and experimental investigation of different membrane processes [ 6 , 7 , 8 ], in particular the development of the highly efficient membrane, hydrogen.…”