International Journal of Chemical Engineering (Jan 2019)

Modeling Sulfur Poisoning of Palladium Membranes Used for Hydrogen Separation

  • Jorge Gabitto,
  • Costas Tsouris

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9825280
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2019

Abstract

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Hydrocarbons are the most important source for hydrogen production. A combined reaction-separation process using inorganic membranes can significantly increase the reaction conversion by shifting the equilibrium toward product formation. Sulfur poisoning is a significant problem as it deactivates the most commonly used metallic membranes. The relationship of the membrane activity and surface coverage with the surface structure has been recognized in the literature. A theoretical model to simulate hydrogen transport in the presence of sulfur compounds is presented. This model accounts for active site deactivation and permanent structural damage to the membrane. Transport and reaction rate parameters used in the model have been estimated from experimental data. Qualitatively, the model represents well the behavior of inorganic membranes, including partial membrane activity regeneration after the sulfur source is removed.