Breakthrough in hydrogen energy. The new membrane will reduce the cost of fuel

This discovery can make hydrogen fuel production much cheaper and more efficient, because it is high-temperature technologies, such as methane steam reforming or ammonia cracking, are key to large-scale hydrogen.

Palladium is known as the most effective material for the separation of hydrogen from gas mixtures. Its uniqueness is the ability to attract H₂ molecules, split them into atoms that pass through the metal, and then connect again into pure hydrogen. However, ordinary paladium membranes are destroyed at temperatures above 800 kelvin (526 ° C), which limited their industrial use.

MIT researchers have proposed a new design: instead of a solid film, paladium is applied in the form of “plugs” in the pores of a silicon substrate with a width of about 0.5 micrometer. This structure prevents metal shrinkage and sticking, maintaining its efficiency even in extreme conditions.

The membrane test was performed for more than 100 hours at temperatures up to 1000 Celvin. The results showed stability and high efficiency of the hydrogen separation, which exceeds the traditional membranes by at least 200 Celvin. This means not only greater durability, but also saving expensive palladium due to its rational use.

“We have proven that the creation of discrete nanostructures instead of a film provides much higher thermal stability,” said Professor MIT Rohit Carnik. His colleague Lokhune Kim emphasized that new technology opens the way to practical use of membranes in industrial reactors for hydrogen production.

Although further research and long -term tests are required for implementation, this development can be an important step in reducing the cost of hydrogen fuel and accelerating the transition to energy with zero carbon emissions.

The study is published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials.