Development and Proof of Concept of a Compact Metallic Reactor for MIEC Ceramic Membranes

The integration of mixed ionic–electronic conducting separation membranes in catalytic membrane reactors can yield more environmentally safe and economically efficient processes. Concentration polarization effects are observed in these types of membranes when O<sub>2</sub> permeating flu...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Sonia Escolástico, Falk Schulze-Küppers, Stefan Baumann, Katja Haas-Santo, Roland Dittmeyer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2021-07-01
Series:Membranes
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0375/11/7/541
Description
Summary:The integration of mixed ionic–electronic conducting separation membranes in catalytic membrane reactors can yield more environmentally safe and economically efficient processes. Concentration polarization effects are observed in these types of membranes when O<sub>2</sub> permeating fluxes are significantly high. These undesired effects can be overcome by the development of new membrane reactors where mass transport and heat transfer are enhanced by adopting state-of-the-art microfabrication. In addition, careful control over the fluid dynamics regime by employing compact metallic reactors equipped with microchannels could allow the rapid extraction of the products, minimizing undesired secondary reactions. Moreover, a high membrane surface area to catalyst volume ratio can be achieved. In this work, a compact metallic reactor was developed for the integration of mixed ionic–electronic conducting ceramic membranes. An asymmetric all-La<sub>0.6</sub>Sr<sub>0.4</sub>Co<sub>0.2</sub>Fe<sub>0.8</sub>O<sub>3–δ</sub> membrane was sealed to the metallic reactor by the reactive air brazing technique. O<sub>2</sub> permeation was evaluated as a proof of concept, and the influence of different parameters, such as temperature, sweep gas flow rates and oxygen partial pressure in the feed gas, were evaluated.
ISSN:2077-0375