Preparation of BCYF0.10–YDC/BCYF0.10–Ni dual-layer hollow fiber membrane for dry reforming of methane and hydrogen purification

Abstract

A ceramic hydrogen permeable membrane reactor for dry reforming of methane (DRM) carries out both the reaction and separation process simultaneously, enabling the production of synthesis gas and pure hydrogen, while also mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. In this study, we prepared F-doped Ba_0.95Ce_0.8Y_0.2O_3−δF_0.10 (BCYF10) and Ce_0.8Y_0.2O_2−δ (YDC) ceramic powders, a BCYF_0.10–YDC/BCYF_0.10–Ni dual-layer hollow fiber (HF) membrane, and catalysts with different Ni contents. The catalysts were packed outside the BCYF_0.10–YDC/BCYF_0.10–Ni HF membrane to obtain a catalytic membrane reactor. The results showed that the hydrogen permeation flux of the dual-layer HF membrane was 0.54 mL min⁻¹ cm⁻² at 900 °C with a feed gas of 50 vol% H₂/He. Steam and CO₂ could increase the hydrogen permeation flux. At 950 °C, the conversion of CH₄ and CO₂ for Ni/BCYF_0.10–YDC catalyst with 30 wt% Ni was 74.5% and 87.1%, respectively. The membrane reactor composed of 30 wt% Ni/BCYF_0.10–YDC catalyst maintained good reaction and separation stability during continuous operation for 720 min at 900 °C. The CO and H₂ selectivities, as well as carbon balance fluctuated around 87.5%, 69.9%, and 89.4%, respectively, indicating the feasibility of constructing a DRM–hydrogen separation coupled membrane reactor for DRM and concurrent separation of hydrogen.