Abstract
Composite membranes Pd/α-Al2O3 with one and two Pd layers were prepared by electroless plating process on porous ceramic tubes. The analysis by energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the chemical composition of the ceramic support (Al and O) and of the membrane with Pd (Al, O and Pd), as well the thickness of Pd layer of 0.8 μm (one layer) and 1.3 μm (two layers). Scanning electron microscopy images showed that the surface membrane was more uniform with one layer than two Pd layers. The X-ray diffraction pattern recorded peaks assigned to α-alumina phase. Mercury intrusion porosimetry showed a pore diameter around 5 nm and maximum intruded Hg volume of 0.0081 cm³.g-1. Gas permeability tests showed that the membranes had selectivity α of 3.79 for H2/CO2 pair with one Pd layer and α=3.43 for H2/CH4 pair with two Pd layers.
Keywords:
Pd/α-Al2O3; ceramic membranes; electroless plating; gas separation
