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Supported Flat Plate Thin Films for Oxygen Separation--Eltron Research, Inc., 5660 Airport Blvd., Boulder, CO 80301-2340; 303-440-8008
Dr. Richard Mackay, Principal Investigator
Ms. Eileen E. Sammells, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-99ER82783
Amount: $99,998
Wide spread commercial production of fuels or chemicals from synthesis gas has been hindered by the high cost of producing oxygen, which is required for either the gasification of coal or the reforming of natural gas. Membrane processes for oxygen separation have shown potential, but polymeric membranes suffer from low selectivity, while ceramic membranes require high temperature to increase flux rate. In previous work, ceramic mixed ionic and electronic conductors were developed that exhibit high oxygen flux when placed in catalytic membrane reactors. These flux rates could be further increased by decreasing membrane thickness. Therefore, this project will develop an economical process for fabricating the ceramic membranes as thin films. Phase I will develop a procedure for fabricating dense, crack-free thin film ceramic membranes in a flat plate geometry. Films will be formed from a mixed polymer/particle precursor layered onto a porous substrate.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: A quick, reliable, and inexpensive method of making ceramic thin films capable of separating oxygen from air will find use in applications requiring a source of pure oxygen. In combustion processes, for example, the use of pure oxygen would increase heating efficiency by removal of N2 diluent, with simultaneous reduction in NOx emissions.