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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Developing a procedure to optimize electroless deposition of thin palladium layer on anodic alumina membranes

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In recent years, the increased demand for hydrogen in many industrial applications, like petrochemical and semiconductor processing, and sustainable energy (fuel cells) has led to a renewed interest in methods for separation and purification of hydrogen from gas mixtures. In particular, palladium-based membranes have been the subject of many studies, due to their potential use as hydrogen-selective membranes for gas separation or purification [1,2]. Owing to the high cost of palladium and in order to increase the flow rate of hydrogen, composite membranes, formed by a thin layer of palladium deposited on a porous support, are largely preferred to thick self-standing metal membranes. Different supports were extensively used to prepare composite membranes resistant to the high temperature required for fast gas permeation through a dense palladium layer. A severe drawback in using composite membranes is due to the possible presence in the palladium layer of pinholes and/or cracks, which reduce the selectivity.