Efficient hydrogen separation using proton-conducting ceramic membranes and electrochemical cells

To achieve energy-efficient and low-cost hydrogen separation using proton conducting ceramic membranes for hydrogen rich streams generated through reforming of natural gas as well as onsite purification of hydrogen close to the point of end use for dilute hydrogen streams distributed through natural gas pipelines using ceramic proton electrochemical cells (hydrogen pumps). Hydrogen plays a vital role in helping the UK meet its 2050 target of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions through decarbonisation of its energy system including electricity, transport and heating sectors. Most hydrogen used today is produced from fossil fuels (e.g., through steam reforming of natural gas, coal gasification). The product gases consist mainly of H2 and CO2, as well as other impurity gases such as CH4, and CO. Therefore energy-efficient and low-cost hydrogen separation constitutes a crucial process to more toward to hydrogen economy.

Dense ceramic membranes made of mixed protonic-electronic conductors (MPECs) are capable of separating hydrogen from the gas mixtures with 100% selectivity, reduced energy penalty and cost compared to the well-established techniques such as the pressure swing adsorption technique. Ceramic proton conductors can also be used to fabricate electrochemical cells (hydrogen pumps) to obtain high purity hydrogen from dilute hydrogen streams when the existing hydrogen separation techniques become highly inefficient and costly. This is particularly important to facilitate distribution of hydrogen using existing natural gas pipelines. The ceramic proton electrochemical cells could enable extraction of high purity hydrogen from the natural gas blend with 10-20 vol% hydrogen close to the point of end use.

The RI self-assessment of an individual's research projects will mean that the cohort have a high degree of understanding of the potential beneficial impact from their research on the economy, society and the environment. This then places the cohort as the best ambassadors for the CDT, hence most pathways to impact are through the students, facilitated by the CDT.

Industrial impact of this CDT is in working closely together with key industry players across the hydrogen sector, including through co-supervision, mentoring of doctoral students and industry involvement in CDT events. Our industrial stakeholders include those working on hydrogen production (ITM Power, Hydrogen Green Power, Pure Energy) and distribution (Northern Gas, Cadent), storage (Luxfer, Haydale, Far UK), safety (HSL, Shell, ITM Power), low carbon transport (Ulemco, Arcola Energy), heat and power (Bosch, Northern Gas).

Policy impact of the CDT research and other activities will occur through cohort interactions with local authorities (Nottingham City Council) and LEPs (LLEP, D2N2) through the CDT workshops and conference. A CDT in Parliament day will be facilitated by UKHFCA (who have experience in lobbying the government on behalf of their members) and enable the cohort to visit the Parliamentary Office for Science and Technology (POST), BEIS and to meet with local MPs. Through understanding the importance of evidence gathering by Government Departments and the role this has in informing policy, the cohort will be encouraged to take the initiative in submitting evidence to any relevant requests for evidence from POST.

Public impact will be achieved through developing knowledge-supported interest of public in renewable energy in particular the role of hydrogen systems and infrastructure. Special attention will be paid to demonstration of safety solutions to prove that hydrogen is not more or less dangerous compared to other fuels when it is dealt with professionally and systems are engineered properly. The public, who are ultimate beneficiaries of hydrogen technologies, will be engaged through different communication channels and the CDT activities to be aware of our work. We will communicate important conclusions of the CDT research at regional, national, and international events as appropriate.

Socio-economic impact. There are significant socio-economic opportunities, including employment, for hydrogen technologies as the UK moves to low carbon transport, heat and power supply. For the UK to have the opportunity to take an international lead in hydrogen sector we need future innovation leaders. The CDT supported by partners we will create conditions for and exploit the opportunities to maximise socio-economic impact.

Students will be expected in years 3 and 4 to undertake a research visit to an industry partner and/or to undertake a knowledge transfer secondment. It is expected these visits (supported by the CDT) will be a significant benefit to the student's research project through access to industry expertise, exploring the potential impact of their research and will also be a valuable networking experience.