A protonic ceramic membrane reactor for the production of hydrogen from coal steam gasification

• Published in: Journal of membrane science Vol. 553; pp. 163 - 170
• Main Authors: Kyriakou, V., Garagounis, I., Vourros, A., Marnellos, G.E., Stoukides, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01-05-2018
• Subjects: Coal gasification; Hydrogen production; Membrane reactors; Proton conductors; Water-gas shift reaction; Membrane reactors; Coal gasification; Proton conductors; Hydrogen production; Water-gas shift reaction
• ISSN: 0376-7388; 1873-3123
• DOI: 10.1016/j.memsci.2018.02.047

In the present work, the feasibility of producing and simultaneously separating hydrogen from coal steam gasification (CSG) in a protonic ceramic membrane reactor (PCMR) is demonstrated. A Cu/BZCY81/Ni-BZCY72 tubular cell was employed as the PCMR for the studies. Saturated steam was fed over a mixture of powdered carbon black and K2CO3 gasification catalyst, which was in contact with the Cu anode. At 600–700 °C, the electrochemical separation of generated H2 from the gasification chamber (anode) was found to enhance the reaction rate to H2 and CO2 by up to 60%. This novel approach to the steam gasification of carbon holds promise for the production of high purity H2 from coal- or biomass-based electrochemical processes at much lower operation temperatures, compared to the conventional thermochemical methods.
[Display omitted]
•Steam gasification of coal is examined in a proton conducting membrane reactor.•Efficient production of pure H2 in a single device combining coal gasification and purification.•Hydrogen yield increased by up to 60% under proton pumping conditions.•75% and 60% separation of H2 were achieved at 600 and 700 °C, respectively.