PNNL

Abstract

A highly stable ceramic composite membrane composed of Ca- and Co-doped yttrium chromite, Y0.8Ca0.2Cr0.8Co0.2O3 (YCCC), and samaria-doped ceria, Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC), was demonstrated for oxygen separation. Homogeneously dispersed nano-scale composite powders were synthesized by a single-step combustion process based on the glycine-nitrate method. Dense composite membranes were achieved having submicron grain sizes and well-percolated electronic and ionic conduction pathways. Densification of the composite membrane was assisted by liquid phase sintering caused by cobalt-doping in yttrium chromite, and gas-tight membranes are fabricated at 1400oC. The YCCC and SDC phases were chemically and thermo-mechanically compatible at both processing and operating temperatures. The composite membrane exhibited an oxygen permeation flux comparable to those of the state-of-the-art membrane materials and was highly stable in a H2-CO2 environment for long-term operation, which suggests potential application in various combustion and fuel production processes.