Polymeric membranes currently in use in hydrogen separation technology have limited selectivity (i.e., they do not retain certain impurities) and, in addition, are heat-sensitive. The latter restriction implies that hot streams of gas must be cooled sufficiently before the separation step. Metallic membranes overcome these difficulties, but the ones used currently are expensive since they are made of palladium-silver alloys. This proposal outlines an investigation of the technical feasibility of using a less expensive titanium alloy that is highly permeable to hydrogen. This Phase I research under the Small Business Innovation Research Program will focus on methods to clean and coat titanium alloy membranes with thin layers of palladium or nickel to avoid oxidation effects. The coated membranes will then be tested for hydrogen permeation rates and for selectivity, under typical industrial conditions. The PI, Dr. Dwayne T. Friesen, and his employer, Bend Research, Inc., have established an excellent record of productive research and are very well qualified for support. Funding at the requested level of $39,866 for six months is recommended.
