Abstract
AbstractThe preparation and characterization of dense Pd composite membrane on porous stainless steel (PSS) tube are reported. The preparation comprises two stages: modification of PSS tubular support and deposition of Pd membrane. The characterization includes argon permeability and selectivity of hydrogen to nitrogen.The purpose of modification was to smooth the surface of PSS tube. The polished and cleaned PSS tubular membrane was modified by filling surface pores with alumina powders and coating with colloidal silica. After the modification, the surface was smooth observed by optical microscopy.The Pd membrane was deposited on modified PSS tube by electroless plating. Before plating, the tube was activated by Pd nano-particles which has highly catalytic activity and has been found to inhance the adhesion of Pd membrane on modified PSS support. Electroless plating combined with osmosis was adopted to prepare the Pd membrane. The resulting Pd/PSS composite filters possess vert low argon permeability and the H2/N2 selectivity up to 2070 at 350 °C at the pressure difference of 20 PSI with the hydrogen flux of 195 ml/min (ca 14 m3/m2.min.atm0.5).