Research

Mixed ionic electronic conducting (MIEC) membrane:

MIEC membrane allows conduction of oxygen ions and electrons through the means of oxygen vacancies present inside the lattice structure (as shown in fig). These vacancies are created due to non-stochiometric nature of material at high temperatures (600-800oC). As these vacancies can only be filled by oxygen ions, MIEC membrane ideally have 100% selectivity for oxygen. This characteristic can be used to obtain high purity hydrogen as shown in fig, it shows a schematic of a membrane reactor where syngas, a product obtained from gasification or partial oxidation of methane, is passed through the permeate side of the membrane, while steam is passed through the feed side. Steam on the feed side reduces to H2, while O2- permeates through the membrane to the permeate side, where it oxidizes syngas, producing a mixture of CO2 and water vapor. Through this very high-purity H2 can be produced.

Fig : Magnified view of MIEC membrane [Source : Cai, L et al. (2020) AIChE Journal, 66(7), e16427 ]

On going and future research goals:

• High performance material manufacturing and testing.

• Modeling of membrane reactor for H2 production. 

• Integrated model development for commercial feasibility.