Project Info
Membrane reactors for H2 production and NH3 synthesis
Doug Way | dway@mines.edu
In this continuing project with support from DOE ARPA-E, we are making devices that allow product hydrogen to be separated as it is produced by either CH4 reforming or NH3 decomposition. In this way we can exceed the equilibrium conversion and produce both pure H2 and concentrated CO2 for either sequestration or conversion to other useful products. We do this by combining a catalytic reactor with an inorganic membrane that can function at elevated temperature and pressure. A new potential application of membrane reactors is the conversion of small alkanes to alkenes (olefins) and hydrogen by reacting the hydrocarbons with CO2 in a process called oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) . In-situ H2 separation improves the reactor selectivity to the valuable alkenes.
More Information
http://www.scientia.global/professor-colin-wolden-professor-douglas-way-saving-the-world-through-fertiliser-and-fuel/
Zhang, Z., Liguori, S, Fuerst, T. F., Way, J. D., and C. A. Wolden, “Efficient Ammonia Decomposition in a Catalytic Membrane Reactor to Enable Hydrogen Storage and Utilization,” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 7, 5975-5985( 2019). http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.8b06065
Abu El Hawa, H., S.-T. Lundin, N. S. Patki, and J. D. Way, “Steam Methane Reforming in a Pd-Au membrane reactor: Long term assessment,” Int. J. Hydrogen Energy, 41(24), 10193–10201(2016). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.04.244
Grand Engineering Challenge: Develop carbon sequestration methods
Student Preparation
Qualifications
At least junior standing in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Dept. by fall of 2018. Preference will be given to applicants with senior standing in CBE who have successfully complete CBEN 375 Mass Transfer.
Time Commitment
10-20 hours/month
Skills/Techniques Gained
Membrane and catalyst synthesis and characterization, membrane reactor performance measurements via mass spectrometer and FTIR sensors, materials characterization via SEM/TEM, XRD, and AFM.
Mentoring Plan
The undergraduate student receiving the fellowship will work with existing graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in the laboratory. We will have weekly meetings with Prof. Way, post-doctoral fellows, and the graduate students.