Recent Advancements in Pd-Based Membranes for Hydrogen Separation

The use of hydrogen is pivotal for the energy and industrial transition in order to mitigate the effects of climate change. As technologies like fuel cells, e-fuels, and the semiconductor industry increasingly demand pure hydrogen, the development of efficient separation methods is crucial. While traditional methods such as pressure-swing adsorption are common, palladium (Pd)-based membranes are a promising alternative due to their energetic efficiency. This review summarizes the recent advances in Pd-based membranes for hydrogen separation over the last six years. It provides a theoretical overview of hydrogen permeation through membranes and examine the characteristics of various Pd alloys adopted in membrane fabrication, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of binary and ternary alloys, for different membrane types, including self-supported and supported membranes, as well as the role of intermediate layers. Additionally, the membrane characteristics used in some recent works on self-supported and supported Pd membranes are analyzed, focusing on operational parameters like permeability, selectivity, and durability. Finally, this review emphasizes the significant progress made in enhancing membrane performance and discusses future directions for industrial applications.