Ceramic membranes for gas separation and for reactors is an area of growing scientific and commercial interest. The keys to a successful membrane process are high throughput with high selectivity. Long-term membrane stability and low manufacturing costs are requirements for successful commercial implementation of membranes. ITN is applying its core expertise in the manufacturing of complex, multilayer thin film devices to novel membrane separation units and reactors to solve problems within the chemicals, fuels and environmental industries.

Separation processes being developed include:·

• O2 from air - medical devices, chemicals processing
  
• H2 from CO/CO2 - fuels processing – H2 and power production from coal gasification
  
• CO2 from methane – natural gas upgrading

ITN is currently performing research into H2 separation membranes for the Department of Energy under the Vision 21 program. The membrane technology will be used in advanced coal gasification power plants. The technology is based on the use of ion conducting ceramic membranes for the selective transport of hydrogen from mixed gas streams. ITN is taking a novel approach to membrane development, combining fundamental engineering materials development integrated with membrane module design and fabrication techniques. ITN is collaborating with the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Argonne National Laboratory, Nexant and Praxair.