Nippon Seisen has developed a separation membrane, made from palladium, for extracting high-purity hydrogen from natural gas.

The membrane is constructed from a 15-micron-thick film of a palladium alloy that is welded into a smooth cylinder shape.

When it comes into contact with hydrogen, the molecule splits into separate hydrogen atoms which can then pass through the spaces between the alloy.

As a result, the new technology is able to achieve a yield of more than 99.9999 per cent pure hydrogen.

No special equipment is necessary because hydrogen is the only substance that can pass through the membrane, allowing machinery using hydrogen to be designed cheaper and smaller.

The technology could be used in a range of devices that could hit the market in 2009.

Nippon Seisen is expected to develop it for use in fuel cells for cars and homes.



Source:

Japanese Co develops low-cost way to make high-purity hydrogen, 09/07/08
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