Composite membranes for H2 purification

H2 is a high quality and clean energy carrier. Currently, the majority of hydrogen is produced by steam-methane reforming followed by a water-gas shift reaction whilst bio-hydrogen production has also been increasing. Before hydrogen can be used in fuel cell and other applications CO2 and CH4 must be removed that resulted from production processes. Membrane-based separation technologies are one of the most promising alternatives compared to conventional separation technologies i.e. pressure swing adsorption because of low energy consumption. Although many inorganic membranes of zeolites, metal alloys and carbon molecular sieves have developed, the difficulty of scaling up limits their applications.

Polymer membranes are useful whilst controlling permeability/selectivity in harsh conditions is challenging. Recently mixed matrix membranes (MMMs), where an inorganic material embedded into polymer matrix, have attracted more attention as they combine porous materials' functionality with polymer processability. In this sense, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that comprised of metal ions connected by organic linkers, are the most promising ones due to their diverse and flexible structure. In addition, the organic linker in MOFs typically have better affinity towards polymer chains and thus allow control of the MOF/polymer interface. Therefore, void-free MMMs can be prepared without the requirement for modification of filler or membrane surfaces.Therefore, this project will explore development of metal organic framework/polymer mixed matrix membranes with enhanced H2 selectivity to enable membrane-based H2 purification.

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.