Review of alloy membranes/films for hydrogen separation or purification

Hydrogen separation and purification are two important chemical processes in the extensive application of hydrogen energy. Membrane technology has opened up a potential solution to the problems of separation and purification in an energy effective way. Membranes of adequate hydrogen permeability, good thermal and mechanical stability are the key to successful application of membrane technology in hydrogen separation and purification. In this paper, the relative parameters concerning hydrogen permeability, the development of different types of membranes namely: palladium composite membranes; V-based alloy membranes, specific functionality embraced alloy membranes, metal hydride (MH) thin films and fabrications, were reviewed and discussed. Pd-free membranes are found to be the ideal alternatives. Suitable MH thin films with mono-or multi-layer microstructures produced by novel fabrication techniques, is likely to be the promising candidates due to possessing properties distinct from those of bulk materials in membrane form.