H2 separation using pressed clinoptilolite and mixed copper-clinoptilolite disk membranes

Abstract

Disk membranes machined from high-purity natural clinoptilolite rocks demonstrated promising hydrogen separation efficiency. However, these membranes cannot be adequately scaled up. To overcome this and provide process flexibility, mixed matrix membranes are required pairing small particles of natural zeolite with a binder system. A novel approach was determined to use metals as binders and was tested by comparing natural clinoptilolite compact disk membranes with and without powdered copper metal. The phase composition and morphology of the disks were characterized and gas separation performance was evaluated using single gas permeation tests. Membrane performance was improved by applying metallic copper and copper oxide filling a portion of the inter-particle spaces and creating adhesion with the zeolite particles.